DAVID LUIZ will start for Chelsea in place of captain John Terry when they host Liverpool on Friday night.
Defender Terry suffered an ankle injury during the 2-2 draw with Swansea on Sunday and was ruled out for around 10 days.
Boss Antonio Conte confirmed Luiz would make his first appearance for Chelsea since his £34million deadline-day switch from Paris Saint-Germain in Terry's absence.
Chelsea, yet to lose this season, face a Liverpool side fresh from a 4-1 win over reigning Premier League champions Leicester City.
"I'm expecting a very tough match against a strong team," said Conte.
"I think Liverpool is a really good team, they play with identity, they can bring many players on in an offensive situation and we must pay great attention tomorrow."
If the teams' last encounter, in a pre-season friendly in the United States, is anything to go by, Friday's game beneath the floodlights could be a spicy affair.
Related Stories
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was sent off for an ugly foul on Ragnar Klavan, while Liverpool's Marko Grujic had to go to hospital following a clash of heads with Bertrand Traore.
It could also be spectacular. The two teams average more shots on goal per game than any other sides in the division, while Liverpool's players have covered more distance than any other team.
Kick-off is 8pm at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea likely (4-1-4-1): Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta, Kante, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Costa.
Liverpool likely (4-1-2-3): Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner, Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Coutinho.
Leave a comment