Chelsea predicted XI vs Luton: Blues expected to rotate for League Cup clash at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge in the League Cup on Thursday.

The Blues head into the contest on the back of an entertaining 3-2 victory at Fulham in their Premier League opener.

While talk of a title challenge is premature, Chelsea are in a much-better place to compete than last season.

However, League One side Luton will look to cause an upset against their higher-ranked opponents.

Match preview

Chelsea have won five of their last five meetings with Luton, including a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in August 2023.

Luton’s last victory at Stamford Bridge was a 3-1 win in September 1986.

The Blues should be confident of progressing given their remarkable record against lower-league opposition in this competition.

Chelsea have advanced from 27 of their last 28 League Cup ties against teams outside the top flight, including each of their last 19.

However, Luton arrive in decent form and should not be underestimated.

Jack Wilshere’s side are unbeaten in their last 15 matches, winning two and drawing one of their opening three games this season.

The Hatters also overturned a 3-1 half-time deficit to beat Reading 4-3 on the opening weekend before drawing 2-2 with Notts County.

They then dispatched Gillingham 3-0 in the first round of this competition.

Chelsea have considerably more quality and will be expected to make home advantage count. The winner meets Leeds United in the third round.

Luton have been eliminated from eight of their last nine League Cup ties against Premier League opponents.

Chelsea have won 69 percent of their previous 106 League Cup matches at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea team news

Manager Xabi Alonso is expected to rotate heavily, with Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers among those likely to be rested after starting the win over Fulham.

Chelsea’s 6ft 7ins gaolkeeper Mike Penders should replace the error-prone Robert Sanchez in goal.

Alonso may also hand full debuts to Geovany Quenda, Danny Welbeck, Valentin Barco and Pep Chavarria.

Enzo Fernandez is also in contention to feature, but might be on the bench again. Wesley Fofana is suspended.

Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Aaron Anselmino are unavailable.

The rotation should give players such as Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto a chance to impress.

Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Mike Penders; Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Jorrel Hato; Geovany Quenda, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria; Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian; Danny Welbeck.