How Chelsea could line up against Plymouth Argyle

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could elect to name another relatively strong team for the visit of League One side Plymouth Argyle to Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday lunchtime.

The Blues remain without Edouard Mendy while he prepares for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, and Kepa Arrizabalaga will likely cede the gloves to Marcus Bettinelli.

Trevoh Chalobah was fit enough to make the bench against Tottenham Hotspur before the break, and Tuchel may also be optimistic about welcoming Andreas Christensen back from COVID-19 infection.

However, Reece James's hamstring issue will keep him sidelined once again - although he is not too far away from a comeback - and Ben Chilwell's season is most likely over.

Chalobah could therefore return to the rearguard alongside emerging star Malang Sarr, and Lewis Hall will be vying for another opportunity as Brazil's Thiago Silva enjoys a well-earned rest.

Cesar Azpilicueta could provide some useful experience down the right-hand side, as out-of-favour midfielder Saul Niguez seeks to prove his worth to Tuchel alongside Callum Hudson-Odoi and Mateo Kovacic, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek out of contention.

Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech can feel hopeful of earning starts in the attacking areas - with Christian Pulisic a late return from USA duty - and despite his goal against Chesterfield in the third round, Romelu Lukaku may watch from the bench as Kai Havertz is granted a chance to impress.

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Bettinelli; Hall, Chalobah, Sarr; Azpilicueta, Saul, Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi; Ziyech, Havertz, Werner