Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso will be looking to build on his first win as Chelsea manager when his side take on Luton Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
Earlier this week, Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 in the Premier League at Craven Cottage to give Alonso his first victory as Blues boss.
Chelsea were in a 3-4-2-1 shape throughout the whole match, with each of their three attackers, Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, all managing to score.
It will now be interesting to see which formation Alonso goes with against Luton. In pre-season, the 44-year-old stated that he would be “flexible”.
In a press conference, which was shared by Chelsea’s official club website, Alonso said: “We will be flexible in our tactics, in our approach, in our game plans.”
Luton’s visit to Stamford Bridge provides Alonso with the perfect opportunity to prove just how flexible he is.
It is the kind of game where Chelsea probably do not need to play with five defenders. With that in mind, he could and should use a 4-2-3-1 formation and get another attacker on the pitch.
Alonso did use that set-up at the beginning of Chelsea’s pre-season before eventually switching to a back three, so it is likely that we see it again during the campaign.
Whatever system the Spaniard goes with on Thursday, Palmer is likely to be rested. That will come as good news to Luton, who were absolutely destroyed by Palmer the last time they met Chelsea.
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Back in the 2023/24 season, Palmer scored two goals and provided one assist in a 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road.
Luton will probably not have to worry about Pedro and Rogers either. The pair are also likely to be rested for the Brighton & Hove Albion game on the weekend.
However, their potential replacements, the likes of Estevao Willian, Danny Welbeck and Jamie Gittens, will still be a threat to Luton and should be able to get the job done.