Predicted XI: Chelsea to select two academy starlets for Carabao Cup test against Lincoln | OneFootball

Despite being just 6 games into the new season, Chelsea are already struggling with injury, fatigue and rotation.

Tonight’s game is a superb chance for Enzo Maresca to change things up, but he warned us in his press conference yesterday to not expect anything too crazy, and certainly not a squad full of academy kids.

So who do we think the Blues coach will go for to face Lincoln?

Chelsea’s most likely team to face Lincoln

Enzo Maresca in his press conference.

In goal we know we’ll see Filip Jorgensen. Robert Sanchez is banned, but it would have been the number 2 regardless.

Ahead of him, Malo Gusto will play at right back after not starting against Man U. We’d assume Wesley Fofana will get a break to keep him fresh for Saturday, so we could see a Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo partnership at the back. Jorrel Hato will get his second competitive start at left back.

If we’re going to get academy players anywhere, it’s in midfield where we’re missing players. Andrey Santos will start to get some minutes, and we reckon Sam Rak-Sakyi could get another first team appearance for Maresca alongside the Brazilian.

Ahead of them, Facundo Buonanotte will play in the Cole Palmer role, Estevao Willian will finally get more minutes after his early removal on Saturday, with Alejandro Garnacho on the other flank as we look to build him up too.

Marc Guiu will finally get the chance to play up front after his recall from Sunderland.

B team picks itself after chaotic week

Overall, it’s actually not the hardest team to predict. Maresca would like to get Jamie Gittens some minutes, so it’s possible he plays wide and Garnacho goes inside in place of Buonanotte. Reggie Walsh could also be preferred to Rak-Sakyi in midfield, but it seems more likely we see him later in the game.