Mauricio Pochettino has made four changes for the visit of Blackburn following defeat to Brentford in the Premier League. Benoit Badiashile makes his first appearance of the season as he comes into the centre of defence and Thiago Silva has been rested completely for the Carabao Cup clash and does not make it into the squad.

As Pochettino confirmed on Tuesday, Reece James returns to Chelsea's starting lineup for the first time since facing Liverpool in August and captains the side. He is joined by Badiashile and Axel Disasi, while Marc Cucurella keeps his place at left back.

Enzo Fernandez returns having missed the weekend's match against the Bees to a muscle injury, with Moises Caicedo dropping to the bench. Lesley Ugochukwu comes into the team in the place of Noni Madueke as the Blues look to return to a formation more akin to 4-3-3.

That sees Cole Palmer like move back out onto the right, with Raheem Sterling on the left supporting Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal international came in for some criticism on Saturday but has retained his place after Pochettino defended his contributions this term.

Levi Colwill is on the bench, while youngsters Alex Matos, Leo Castledine and Deivid Washington, who made his debut at the weekend, could all feature against Blackburn.

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Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Disasi, Badiashile, Cucurella, Ugochukwu, Fernandez, Gallagher, Palmer, Sterling Jackson.

Substitutes: Petrovic, Colwill, Gusto, Maatsen, Caicedo, Madueke, Matos, Castledine, Washington.