Chelsea travel to the Gtech Community Stadium on matchday five to face Brentford, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time.
The Blues are heading into this fixture off the back of a frustrating draw against Hull City at Stamford Bridge last weekend, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side searching for a response.
Defensive solidity has been a concern for Chelsea, with Emiliano Martinez having conceded seven goals across his last three appearances for the club.
Despite those numbers, Martinez is expected to retain his place between the sticks as Alonso looks to steady a leaking backline ahead of the international break.
The most significant tactical shift could come in defence, with Chelsea potentially reverting to a back three after lining up with a four-man defensive line against Hull City.
Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana are both expected to keep their places, with £51 million summer signing Maxence Lacroix set to return in the heart of the defence alongside them.
In midfield, Alonso is likely to stick with the double pivot formula that has featured prominently throughout the season, with Reece James potentially partnering Romeo Lavia in that role.
Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato are expected to operate as right and left wing backs respectively, though Moises Caicedo will miss out through injury.
Cole Palmer is anticipated to start on the right flank, while Pedro Neto could feature on the left side of the attack in what would be a familiar combination going forward.
The striker position carries uncertainty, with Joao Pedro having withdrawn from Brazil’s squad for the international break due to injury, potentially ruling him out of the Brentford fixture entirely.
Should Joao Pedro be unavailable, Morgan Rogers could be handed the responsibility of leading the line as the number nine for Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Alonso may also welcome the upcoming international break as an opportunity to further refine his tactical setup before Chelsea return to Premier League action.