Chelsea are expecting to welcome three players back to Enzo Maresca's squad when they face Manchester United, though Jadon Sancho has been definitively ruled out of making an Old Trafford return.
Confidence will be high for the hosts having just secured their next permanent manager - Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP. Whilst it will not be the 39-year-old in the dugout on Sunday as Ruud van Nistelrooy continues on an interim basis, the mood is improving nonetheless.
A battle between Premier League heavyweights will be a big test for the Dutchman, but one he will feel his side can come through after securing Carabao Cup progression in midweek.
Chelsea were knocked out of the competition by Newcastle, and although much closer to the top of the table than Man United at this stage find themselves in that similar position of falling from their perch in recent years.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk