Predicted XI: Injured players set to return, new position for Palmer and a big Estevao decision on the wing | OneFootball

Chelsea take on Arsenal in the EFL Cup tonight, in Liam Rosenior’s first big game in charge. Here’s the team we think he will pick.

Predicted team to take on Gunners

Reece James celebrates his assist. (Photo by Chris Lee/Chelsea FC)

In goal we will see Robert Sanchez restored to his usual spot after Filip Jorgensen had an unexpected chance in the FA Cup at the weekend.

In defence, Malo Gusto has been something of a doubt, but should be fit to start on the right. Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah have both had a break and are ready to resume as the central pairing. Marc Cucurella returns from suspension to play on the left.

With Moises Caicedo suspended, Reece James is likely to step into midfield and reprise his role from the recent league match against the Gunners where he was superb even after Caicedo’s dismissal.

Andrey Santos should get to continue as a starter in the middle alongside him in a double pivot. That frees up Enzo Fernandez to play in the hole.

Cole Palmer had a weekend off and will get a chance off the right wing. Liam Delap has clearly impressed Rosenior more than Joao Pedro, and will start the game up top.

That leaves one position – the left wing – which is so hard to predict. Pedro Neto has been a regular all season and has played on the left as well as the right. He’s got to be favourite, but Estevao didn’t start at the weekend, giving a hint he could be used in this game too.

In other news…

Matt Law’s update on the likes of James and Gusto was interesting reading – and he also noted that another option was soon coming online for Rosenior as an almost forgotten summer signing gradually gets up to speed.

Teddy Sharman-Lowe has been doing well at Bolton, but Chelsea are apparently thinking of recalling him. It’s an interesting situation we looked into here.