Xabi Alonso is set to name a much-changed Chelsea side for this evening's Carabao Cup second round tie with Luton Town with Jack Wilshere's team the visitors to Stamford Bridge
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck has signed a two-year contract at Chelsea(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso said on Wednesday afternoon that he is taking the Carabao Cup very seriously this season, especially with Chelsea not having any European football to contend with.
After the Blues failed to qualify for any form of European competition, they have been forced to enter the League Cup at the second-round stage. While Alonso admitted he and Chelsea will be taking the cup competitions seriously, there must be a temptation from the manager to make wholesale changes to his side for this evening's clash.
Given the quick turnaround - less than 72 hours - between the win at Fulham and kick-off against Luton, Alonso will have to use his squad smartly.
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So, with that being said, football.london takes a look at how Alonso could line his team up tonight.
Mike Penders
Even if Monday night didn't happen, Penders was expected to start this one. The young Belgian goalkeeper is set to stay at Stamford Bridge this season to compete for the No.1 spot. Initially that was with Robert Sanchez, but after his clanger on Monday, the club are now considering making a late move for Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez.
Mike Penders
Mike Penders is set to provide competition for Robert Sanchez this season(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Josh Acheampong
Alonso could be tempted to go for a 4-2-3-1 formation despite using a three-back in the win against Fulham. The Blues manager has said before he likes to mix it up when it comes to the shape. If so, Acheampong could start on the right-hand side of defence.
Aaron Anselmino
Anselmino has recently returned to full training at Cobham after picking up an injury late into the club's pre-season tour earlier this summer. The Argentine could still be loaned out before next week's deadline but he was part of the training group on Wednesday preparing for the visit of Luton.
Jorrel Hato
The Netherlands international was used as the left wing-back on Monday but could be set for a centre-back role tonight - highlighting his flexibility and versatility. Hato starting on the left of a back two would allow Levi Colwill the night off.
Pep Chavarria
This seems the perfect and obvious chance to hand Chavarria - and three other signings, who we'll come on to later - a full debut for the club. Chavarria impressed when he came on in the second-half on Monday night as a left wing-back.
Enzo Fernandez
This might be the sort of lowkey affair needed to re-introduce Fernandez properly. Unless, of course, something significant happens in terms of his future beforehand. Alonso said on Wednesday that he expects the Argentine to be involved.
Valentin Barco
Fernandez could be next to his countryman Barco against Luton. Signed from Strasbourg earlier in the summer, we haven't seen too much of the Argentina international yet after he arrived to pre-season training late due to his World Cup commitments.
Valentin Barco
Valentin Barco is eagerly waiting to make his Chelsea debut(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Geovany Quenda
Quenda produced some bright moments in his brief cameo at Craven Cottage. The Portuguese winger could also make his full debut as he looks to leave a positive impression on Alonso.
Estevao Willian
If Chelsea want to rest the likes of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro - and I'm sure Alonso does - then it leaves the manager rather light in the No.10 spot. Estevao, though, is an option; he played there at times during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Jamie Gittens
After an impressive pre-season, Gittens will be keen to kickstart his season tonight. Pedro Neto is of course another option but given Gittens shone over the summer, he could go with the Englishman.
Danny Welbeck
Welbeck or fellow new signing Emmanuel Emegha? Alonso could favour the former. Joao Pedro will surely be given a rest ahead of this weekend's Premier League clash with the Brazilian's former club Brighton.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Anselmino, Hato, Chavarria; Fernandez, Barco; Quenda, Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck