New signing Pedro has been handed a debut for Chelsea’s Premier League trip to West Bromwich Albion.
The World Cup winner arrived from Barcelona for £21m this week and has gone straight into the side.
John Terry, substituted at half time of the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, is retained in the staring lineup but Gary Cahill is dropped as Kurt Zouma is preferred in defence.
Thibaut Courtois returns from suspension to play in goal despite Asmir Begovic’s excellent display at the Etihad Stadium. Oscar, Ramires and Juan Cuadrado are all absent.
Chelsea team v West Brom: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Diego Costa. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 23, 2015
Chelsea subs: Begovic, Cahill, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Traore, Remy, Falcao. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 23, 2015
Interestingly, Tottenham Hotspur-linked striker Saido Berahino is not included in the West Brom squad. Tony Pulis gives £12m signing Salomon Rondon a first start as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation.
Wingers James McClean and Callum McManaman also come into the team as Berahino, Rickie Lambert and Craig Gardner drop out of the side which drew 0-0 with Watford last weekend.
Albion v @ChelseaFC: Myhill, Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Brunt, McManaman, Morrison, Fletcher (c), Yacob, McClean, Rondon. #WBA #CFC #COYB #BPL
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) August 23, 2015
Albion subs v @ChelseaFC: Rose, Chester, Lescott, Gardner, Gnabry, Anichebe, Lambert. #WBA #CFC #COYB #BPL
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) August 23, 2015
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