Chelsea v Liverpool team news: Jose Mourinho hands Ruben Loftus-Cheek first senior start

Chelsea manager renowned for his distrust of youth gives chance to youngster with title secured

Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Getty Images)

With the Premier League title secured, Jose Mourinho has given youth a chance ahead of today's game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek will make his first senior start in midfield, while the impressive 20-year-old Kurt Zouma lines up alongside John Terry in defence.

19-year-old Loftus-Cheek has been with Chelsea since the age of eight, and is highly-regarded within the club hierarchy.

However, Mourinho has always prized winning ahead of doling out experience to promising youngsters.

Another highly-rated youngster, Nathan Ake, is on the bench.

Loic Remy is back from injury for the champions and starts up front, ahead of PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard.

Brendan Rodgers' side must win to retain any chance of catching Manchester United in the race for the Champions League.

With his striking cupboard almost bare in the continued absence of Daniel Sturridge, Rodgers hands Rickie Lambert a rare start.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Filipe Luis; Mikel, Loftus-Cheek; Willian, Fabregas, Hazard; Remy
Subs: Beeney, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ake, Matic, Cuadrado, Drogba

Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Can, Gerrard, Coutinho, Henderson, Lallana, Sterling, Lambert
Subs: Ward, Toure, Moreno, Lucas, Allen, Ibe, Sinclair