Jorginho replaces the Frenchman in the heart of midfield and there are also starts for Olivier Giroud in attack and Toni Rudiger at the back. They come in for Timo Werner and Kurt Zouma respectively.

Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic flank Giroud, and Jorginho is joined by Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic in midfield.

Cesar Azpilicueta is selected at right-back. Reece James is available again and on the bench, alongside Billy Gilmour, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner among others.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta (c), Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Chilwell; Kovacic, Jorginho, Mount; Ziyech, Giroud, Pulisic.

Subs: Kepa, James, Zouma, Emerson, Gilmour, Havertz, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham, Werner.

Fulham (3-4-1-2): Areola; Aina, Andersen (c), Adarabioyo; Tete, Reed, Anguissa, Robinson; Lookman; De Cordova-Reid, Cavaleiro.

Subs: Rodak, Hector, Odoi, Kebano, Ream, Bryan, Onomah, Kamara

Fulham vs Chelsea record

Chelsea are unbeaten in the league against Fulham in 18 games since our 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage in March 2006.

That defeat is Fulham’s only victory against us in 33 games in a run going back to 1979 when we were in the old Second Division.

Chlesea are going for six straight league wins against the Cottagers for the first time since half-a-dozen successive victories between 1950 and 1960.

We are also hoping to extend our unbeaten league run at Craven Cottage to 10 games (six wins, three draws in the previous nine games).