Chelsea team news: Expected XI vs Plymouth with Thomas Tuchel set to ring the changes

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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to name a much-changed side when the Blues take on Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon. The European champions hit five against non-league Cheltenham Town in the last round of the competition and will be determined to produce another dominant performance against the unfancied Greens on home soil this weekend.

The match will serve as a golden opportunity for Chelsea to build up some much-needed winning momentum ahead of the business end of the Premier League campaign.

They remain without a number of their key players, though, suggesting that Tuchel may once again decide to ring the changes against lower-league opposition on Saturday.

Express Sport takes a look at the Chelsea side that could line up against Plymouth in the FA Cup as the Blues go in search of a place in the next round.

Goalkeeper – Bettinelli

Chelsea will be without Edouard Mendy for the visit of Plymouth as he prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations final with Senegal on Sunday.

It seems likely that Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has featured in Mendy’s absence, will hand the gloves over to Marcus Bettinelli for this weekend’s match.

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The former Fulham stopper made his only appearance for Chelsea to date in the previous round against Chesterfield but was unable to keep a clean sheet against the National League promotion-chasers.

Defence – Hall, Sarr, Chalobah

Malang Sarr could be set to feature from the first whistle against Plymouth, with Thiago Silva likely to be rested after representing Brazil on international duty over the winter break.

The former could be joined by the emerging duo of Trevoh Chalobah and Lewis Hall at the heart of the Blues defence if Andreas Christensen is also spared after recovering from COVID-19.

Chelsea’s back three will be tasked with silencing the likes of Plymouth duo Ryan Hardie and Luke Jephcott, who have scored 17 goals between them in League One this season.

Midfield – Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Hudson-Odoi

Cesar Azpilicueta could don the armband at right wing-back for Chelsea, while Callum Hudson-Odoi will be in with a shout of featuring on the opposite flank.

The Blues have been reliant on Marcos Alonso in recent weeks due to Ben Chilwell’s long-term injury, but the visit of Plymouth may give Tuchel more freedom to switch things up out wide.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea boss could be tempted to name a central midfield pairing of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Saul Niguez.

The latter has failed to live up to pre-season expectations during his loan spell at Stamford Bridge and will be desperately hoping for a strong performance to showcase his abilities on Sunday.

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Attack – Ziyech, Havertz, Werner

Tuchel could decide to name a strong attacking trio in the hope of killing the game off early on, with Hakim Ziyech among those in the frame to be handed a starting berth against Plymouth.

He could be paired with Kai Havertz in the supporting roles behind the central striker, while Timo Werner may be selected to lead the line.

The 25-year-old excelled in the No 9 role for RB Leipzig before making the switch to Chelsea two summers ago and could start in the position ahead of Romelu Lukaku on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic is unlikely to feature from the off after his late return from international duty with the United States earlier this week.

Possible Chelsea XI (3-4-2-1): Bettinelli; Hall, Sarr, Chalobah; Azpilicueta, Loftus-Cheek, Saul, Hudson-Odoi; Ziyech, Havertz; Werner.

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