Mike Penders and Danny Welbeck will make their first competitive appearance for Chelsea when they host Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Chelsea will attempt to secure a spot in the EFL Cup third round when they welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. Xabi Alonso has no new issues to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Jordan Henderson (wrist) and Emmanuel Emegha (hamstring) remain in the treatment room for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are short-term absentees, while Aaron Anselmino faces late fitness tests to determine his availability.
However, Caicedo and Palestra can get some additional rest, as Alonso is expected to ring in the changes for the game against Luton. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Alonso provided fitness updates on Caicedo and Palestra.
The Chelsea manager said, “Not for tomorrow, both [Caicedo and Palestra] won’t make it [against Luton]. Let’s see, hopefully Moi could make it for the weekend, but we need to check a little bit more with Marco. Otherwise everyone from Monday is okay, Cole [Palmer] is absolutely fine.”
“Penders is part of the squad, so he has an opportunity. We will decide and then I am giving the team tomorrow to the players, so I prefer to respect that they know first. Enzo, yes we expect him to be involved. He is training really well, he’s a good professional, and he will be involved.”
Mike Penders will make his bow between the sticks for Chelsea, with the home side lining up in a 3-4-2-1 formation in front of him against Luton Town on Thursday. The central defensive unit will feature Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana. Meanwhile, Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria should be the two wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Valentin Barco should line up alongside Romeo Lavia in the central areas, with Enzo Fernandez likely to make an appearance off the bench. Finally, Danny Welbeck will lead the line for the hosts, with Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian completing the numbers in the offensive unit.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Fofana; Gusto, Lavia, Barco, Chavarria; Neto, Estevao; Welbeck
