Hazard has played 50 matches this season and Kante 47,’ explained Maurizio Sarri. ‘They played for the national team Hazard 187 minutes and Kante for 175 minutes and so I think that it is time to rest.’
It is the first time this season that Kante has not begun a Premier League match but Jorginho, a slight doubt leading up to this game following his international duty for Italy, has been passed fit to start. With him in midfield are Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic.
Upfront, Willian and Pedro flank Gonzalo Higuain.
Cardiff are unchanged from their win at home to West Ham last time out.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta (c), Rudiger, David Luiz, Alonso; Barkley, Jorginho, Kovacic; Pedro, Higuain, Willian.
Subs: Caballero, Christensen, Kante, Loftus-Cheek, Hazard, Hudson-Odoi, Giroud.
Cardiff (4-2-3-1): Etheridge; Peltier, Morrison (c), Manga, Bennett; Gunnarsson, Arter; Murphy, Camarasa, Hoilett; Niasse.
Subs: Murphy, Mendez-Liang, Ralls, Reid, Bacuna, Harris, Zohore.
Today’s referee is Craig Pawson.