Predicted Chelsea Line-Up vs Luton Town - Alonso Set To Hand Out Three Official Debuts

Previewing Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie against Luton Town.moreVideos

Xabi Alonso is set to ring the changes for Chelsea's Carabao Cup second-round tie against Luton Town on Thursday night.

Chelsea began the 2026/27 season with a positive record after a 3-2 Premier League win over Fulham on Monday.

The Blues must now shift their attention to the Carabao Cup as they are set to host League One side Luton Town at Stamford Bridge with only a few days to prepare.

The expectation is, of course, for Alonso to rotate the team significantly, especially with Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brighton in mind.

This is also an opportunity for the Chelsea manager to give some players the chance to prove themselves amid competition for various spots in the team.

Mike Penders is expected to start in goal, replacing Robert Sanchez, who had a poor display at Craven Cottage.

Many believe the young Belgium international could provide a long-term solution to Chelsea’s goalkeeping problems, and a clean sheet in his possible official debut would be the ideal start to his career at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso raised some eyebrows by not including any centre-backs among his substitutes against Fulham, with Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Josh Acheampong starting as the back three.

All three played the full game, so they may have hoped to be rested against League One side Luton Town. However, Wesley Fofana, who missed the derby win at Craven Cottage, is still unavailable due to suspension, so Colwill may keep his place.

Aaron Anselmino could come into the side as Alonso looks to rotate.

The third centre-back is harder to predict.

Technically, Tosin Adarabioyo and Mamadou Sarr remain on Chelsea’s books so that Alonso could go for either. However, the pair have been training away from the main first-team group ahead of potential summer exits.

Academy star Tayo Subuloye could be an option, too, but Alonso will more likely play it safe and assign Acheampong as the third centre-back.

Pep Chavarria was surprisingly among the players who spent Tuesday afternoon on recovery work in the gym despite only featuring as a substitute against Fulham. This may indicate that he is prepared for Sunday’s clash with Brighton amid Marco Palestra’s injury absence.

Alonso may therefore opt for Jamie Gittens at left wing-back and either Pedro Neto or Geovany Quenda at right.

With Moises Caicedo out, Valentin Barco is expected to start in midfield for his official Chelsea debut, alongside either Enzo Fernandez or Jordan Henderson. Dario Essugo was involved in Wednesday’s training despite being linked with a potential loan exit, so he will likely be on the bench.

For the two number 10 spots, Estevao will likely play alongside either Danny Welbeck or Quenda. Up front, it will be either Welbeck or Emmanuel Emegha, who recently returned from a hamstring injury.

Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro will all likely be rested, unless they are needed during the tie - which Chelsea will hope they aren't.

Penders, Acheampong, Colwill, Anselmino, Neto, Fernandez, Barco, Gittens, Estevao, Quenda, Welbeck

What is your predicted Chelsea XI for the Carabao Cup tie?