Hakim Ziyech returns to Chelsea’s starting line-up for Saturday afternoon’s away game against Leeds United. Trainer Thomas Tuchel makes no less than six changes compared to the game won against Everton (2-0) and makes a place for Ziyech, among other things. Leeds can again have Pascal Struijk, who on Monday against West Ham United (2-0 defeat) was missing due to an injury. The match starts on Saturday at 1.30 p.m.
Kurt Zouma, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner, Marcos Alonso, Mateo Kovacic and Reece James disappear to the couch, leaving Antonio Rüdiger, Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kanté, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Ziyech making their entrance. Pulisic is in the base for the first time since the arrival of Tuchel. He starts on the left flank; Ziyech is on the right. Kai Havertz made a good impression against Everton and remains on the point of attack.
Although Ziyech stayed on the bench for ninety minutes against Everton, he had a starting spot in the two league games before that, against Manchester United (0-0) and Liverpool (0-1 win). On Elland Road, the stadium of Leeds, Chelsea hopes to be on a level with number three Leicester City in points. the Foxes then still have a match credit. Leeds is in eleventh place in the Premier League.
Leeds United lineup: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Alioski; Phillips; Raphinha, Roberts, Dallas, Harrison; Bamford.
Chelsea line-up: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, Chilwell; Kanté, Jorginho; Ziyech, Mount, Pulisic; Havertz.