Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the XI Xabi Alonso will name as his Chelsea side get their EFL Cup campaign underway against Luton Town.
The dust has barely settled from the Blues’ opening day Premier League win against Fulham, however they do not have long to prepare for the visit of League One opposition to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are playing in this round of the EFL Cup after they were unable to qualify for any form of European football for the 2026/27 season.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Luton Town
Lower league opposition will allow Alonso the chance to rotate on Thursday though, with Estevao Willian one of those expected to feature.
Here’s our predicted XI for Chelsea vs Luton at Stamford Bridge…
A perfect opportunity has cropped up for Mike Penders to nail down the number one shirt following Robert Sanchez’s woeful display against Fulham, and he will start this one.
There will be a return at the back for Wesley Fofana after he was suspended for their opening Premier League game of the season.
Maxence Lacroix will be one of the few to keep his place in the side after a dominant display at the back on his Chelsea debut.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
The back three will be completed by Jorrel Hato, who feels more suited for this role rather than the wing-back position.
Geovany Quenda will start on the right, with Chelsea setting up with a far more attacking line-up than the one which faced Fulham.
The hope is that Moises Caicedo is going to be fit enough to feature for this game after missing the clash at Craven Cottage, and will be eased back into this game.
He will be joined in the middle of the park by Valentin Barco, who is eager to make his debut for the club after being named on the bench on Monday.
Robert Sanchez's errors leading to goal
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
The left wing-back role will be taken by Pep Chavarria, who came on as a substitute for Hato against Fulham.
Estevao will be the leading force for creativity in the frontline, with him no doubt watching home impressive Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro all were in their opening game.
He will be joined in attack by Jamie Gittens. The winger is being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge still this summer.
Up front, Danny Welbeck will get his first competitive start for Chelsea, fulfilling the role of deputy to former Brighton teammate, Pedro.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Luton Town (3-4-2-1): Penders; Fofana, Lacroix, Hato; Quenda, Caicedo, Barco, Chavarria; Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck