Team News: Raheem Sterling returns to Chelsea XI for Brentford game

Raheem Sterling has been recalled to the Chelsea XI for Wednesday's Premier League fixture with Brentford.

The summer arrival has largely been ineffective during the second half of the season, leading to criticism from sections of the fanbase.

However, Sterling - usually a winger - has been selected as the lone forward in a formation which appears similar to the one used versus Real Madrid last time out.

Caretaker manager Frank Lampard has made three changes from that 2-0 defeat, also handing opportunities to Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Chilwell.

Reece James drops out as a result of a hamstring injury, as does Kai Havertz because of a knee issue, while Marc Cucurella misses out altogether without any injury being declared.

January arrivals Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix are all selected among the replacements, as is out-of-favour forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank appears to have switched to a back three, resulting in four alterations being made to his starting lineup.

Aaron Hickey, Christian Norgaard, Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade all drop out, with Zanka, Mads Roerslev, Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa being drafted into the team.

Chelsea: Kepa; W. Fofana, Silva, Chalobah; Azpilicueta, Kante, Fernandez, Kovacic, Chilwell; Gallagher; Sterling

Subs: Mendy, Badiashile, Loftus-Cheek, Madueke, Mudryk, Pulisic, Ziyech, Aubameyang, Felix

Brentford: Raya; Zanka, Pinnock, Mee; Roerslav, Onyeka, Janelt, Jensen, Henry; Wissa, Toney

Subs: Cox, Hickey, Schade, Dasilva, Ghoddos, Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Baptiste, Stevens