Team News: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Timo Werner among Chelsea starters against Aston Villa

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Timo Werner are among the Chelsea starters as the Blues face Aston Villa in the third round of the EFL Cup at Stamford Bridge.

As expected, head coach Thomas Tuchel has rung the changes from the league clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is the only survivor from the weekend, with N'Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi all featuring for Chelsea in the League Cup contest.

Werner has struggled for starts since Romelu Lukaku's arrival at the club, but the Germany international is handed a spot in the side and could lead the line.

Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech will also seemingly operate in advanced areas for the home side, while recent arrival Saul Niguez will make his second appearance for the club in the middle of the park.

Chelsea appear to be lining up in a back three once again, with Reece James and Trevor Chalobah being joined by Malang Sarr, who will make his debut for the Blues tonight.

Chelsea starting XI: Kepa; James, Chalobah, Sarr; Hudson-Odoi, Saul, Kante, Chilwell; Ziyech, Werner, Loftus-Cheek