Alvaro Morata has been left on the bench against Southampton as Eden Hazard starts up front for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Morata, who has scored nine Premier League goals in his debut season in England so far, missed Chelsea's trip to Huddersfield on Tuesday night with a back issue and because of tiredness.
His absence meant Chelsea coach Antonio Conte turning to Hazard to fill in for Morata as a 'false No.9'. Despite the latter returning to full training this week, Conte revealed the Spaniard is still experiencing pain in his back.
And it means that he is on the bench for Chelsea's clash with the Saints in west London as Hazard starts up front and is flanked by Willian and Pedro in a 3-4-3 formation - the same set-up Conte used to inspire Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Huddersfield at John Smith's Stadium.
Meanwhile, N'Golo Kante starts in midfield alongside Tiemoue Bakayoko, with Cesc Fabregas being rested, and Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses playing in the wing-back roles.
Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill start in defence with Thibaut Courtois behind them in goal.
Chelsea starting XI to face Southampton: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill, Moses, Kante, Bakayoko, Alonso, Willian, Hazard, Pedro.
Chelsea subs: Caballero, Rudiger, Zappacosta, Drinkwater, Fabregas, Batshuayi, Morata.
