Chelsea host Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round on Thursday night, with Xabi Alonso expected to make significant changes for his first competitive match at Stamford Bridge.
The picture is now clearer after Alonso’s final team-news update. Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra have both been ruled out, while Wesley Fofana is also unavailable through suspension.
Cole Palmer is fit and Enzo Fernandez will be involved, but Chelsea have Brighton visiting Stamford Bridge on Sunday and rotation remains likely.
ReadChelsea’s full Chelsea vs Luton team-news update covers the latest availability situation.
Mike Penders could make competitive Chelsea debut
Mike Penders remains the strongest candidate to replace Robert Sanchez in goal.
Alonso confirmed through Chelsea’s official team-news update that Penders is part of the squad and has an opportunity to play.
That could give the 21-year-old his first competitive Chelsea appearance after spending last season on loan at Strasbourg.
Josh Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix can remain in the back three, while Jorrel Hato is the logical replacement for the suspended Fofana.
Malo Gusto can operate on the right following Palestra’s absence, with Pep Chavarria offering another opportunity for rotation on the opposite side.
Enzo should also come into the side after Alonso confirmed the midfielder will be involved.
Valentin Barco could partner him centrally, allowing Reece James and Romeo Lavia to be protected ahead of Brighton.
Estevao and Welbeck get Chelsea opportunity
Chelsea’s first-choice attacking trio of Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro all scored in Monday’s 3-2 win at Fulham.
There is little reason to start all three again four days later against League One opposition.
Estevao should therefore receive another opportunity, with Jamie Gittens also pushing for his first competitive start of the season.
Danny Welbeck is backed to lead the attack.
The striker was unused against Fulham and this fixture provides an obvious opportunity to hand him his first competitive Chelsea start since arriving from Brighton.
Several of Chelsea’s fringe players are playing for more than cup progression, with ReadChelsea identifying five players who can push for a Brighton starting place against Luton.
Chelsea also know exactly what awaits if they progress. Victory will secure a home Carabao Cup third-round tie against Leeds United.
Supporters can find the UK television and streaming information in ReadChelsea’s Chelsea vs Luton how-to-watch guide.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Hato; Gusto, Fernandez, Barco, Chavarria; Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck.
