Robert Sanchez was one of three players forced off by injury in our last match at Everton, causing a change between the posts. Djordje Petrovic, who came on to replace the Spaniard at Goodison Park, makes his first start for Chelsea and first appearance at Stamford Bridge.

With full-backs Reece James and Marc Cucurella also ruled out due to the injuries they picked up last week, Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill return to our back line, alongside French duo Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile.

Conor Gallagher captains the side in James’ absence and lines up alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield, with Cole Palmer also continuing.

In attack, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling get the nod from Mauricio Pochettino, Armando Broja and Enzo Fernandez both on the bench today.

Also among our substitutes is Christopher Nkunku, being named in the squad for a competitive fixture for the first time, after suffering an injury in pre-season.

Sheffield United have made two changes to the team which beat Brentford 1-0. Oli McBurnie returns up front after serving his suspension, while Max Lowe replaces Jack Robinson in the back line after the latter picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against the Bees.

Chelsea: Petrovic, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Colwill, Gallagher (c), Caicedo, Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk, Jackson

Substitutes: Bettinelli, Bergstrom, Gilchrist, Gusto, Maatsen, Enzo, Matos, Nkunku, Broja

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Bogle, Ahmedhodzic (c), Trusty, Lowe, Souza, McAtee, Brooks, Hamer, Archer, McBurnie

Substitutes: Davies, Baldock, Larouci, Thomas, Ben Slimane, Norwood, Osborn, Traore, Osula

Referee: Andrew Madley