'Surprise' Estevao decision explained as Xabi Alonso drops Chelsea star for Sunderland clash

Summer signing Pep Chavarria has replaced the Blues youngster in a change that sees Marco Palestra switch over from the left to the right-hand side of the defensive set-up.

The 36-year-old will be partnered by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the engine room - mirroring the midfield trio that started the Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out loss to Liverpool last month.

Speaking before kick-off, Sturridge admitted he was shocked to not see Estevao’s starting for Chelsea but feels Alonso has made the decision to make his side more stable in midfield.

"I like it. I'm surprised Estevao isn't on the pitch with how exciting he was last week, he almost scored a couple,” Sturridge said on Sky Sports.

Familiar face: Former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson is back in the Chelsea engine room

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"We know what Cole Palmer is, we know Neto can provide those runs in behind with his pace. I know he's probably not going to hold it up against centre-backs, but with Rogers you know what you get with him too.

"They've gone with a bit more steel in midfield. They're a team who are leaning more on the attacking side and relying on their attacking players to go out there and win the game.

"But I think here, they're thinking they need a bit more stability in the centre of the park."