Chelsea could make sweeping changes to their starting XI against Leeds United on Wednesday night as Xabi Alonso manages a rapid turnaround from Sunday’s defeat at Arsenal.
The Blues host Leeds at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup third round only three days after their 2-1 Premier League loss at the Emirates.
Alonso rotated heavily in the previous round against Luton Town, and another altered Chelsea lineup looks likely with Hull City also visiting Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
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Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1):
Penders; Gusto, Lacroix, Colwill, Chavarria; Barco, Lavia; Quenda, Estêvão, Gittens; Welbeck.
That would represent nine changes from the Chelsea side which started against Arsenal.
Mike Penders, Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Pep Chavarria, Valentin Barco, Geovany Quenda, Jamie Gittens, Estêvão Willian and Danny Welbeck would all come into the side.
Penders could return in goal
Emiliano Martinez has started Chelsea’s opening three Premier League matches, but Alonso has already shown he is willing to rotate his goalkeeper in the Carabao Cup.
Penders made his competitive Chelsea debut in the 2-0 second-round victory over Luton.
The Belgian was part of a much-changed team that night, with Chelsea’s official lineup against Luton also including Gusto, Chavarria, Barco, Estêvão and Welbeck.
With another Premier League fixture only three days after Leeds, this looks like an obvious opportunity to give Penders his second start.
Colwill in line for Arsenal response
Levi Colwill was among the substitutes for Sunday’s defeat and did not play at the Emirates.
That makes him a strong candidate to come straight into the defence.
Alonso started Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Maxence Lacroix against Arsenal before Chelsea eventually finished the game in a more conventional back four.
The official Chelsea match report confirms Acheampong, Lacroix and Fofana all started, while Chavarria came on after an hour.
Gusto also played the final half-hour after replacing Romeo Lavia.
Given the respective workloads, Colwill and Chavarria look particularly well placed for starts against Leeds.
Lacroix may be the one defender Alonso retains to provide some continuity alongside Colwill.
Caicedo unlikely to be risked
The biggest selection question once again surrounds Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo missed the Arsenal defeat entirely after suffering another fitness setback.
Alonso subsequently admitted Chelsea may have brought the midfielder back too early against Brighton and said he did not want to make the same mistake again.
That fresh Moises Caicedo injury update makes a Carabao Cup return only three days later appear unlikely.
Chelsea have no reason to take another unnecessary risk with one of their most important players.
Reece James could also be given a rest after starting in central midfield and captaining the side at Arsenal.
That creates another opportunity for Barco.
The Argentine partnered James in midfield during the Luton victory and could be paired with Lavia on Wednesday.
Lavia only played an hour at the Emirates, which may leave him capable of starting again before being managed carefully.
Estêvão pushing hard for Chelsea start
The strongest case for inclusion belongs to Estêvão.
The Brazilian impressed against Luton before almost rescuing Chelsea at Arsenal with a curling late effort that David Raya tipped over.
We have already looked at why Estêvão has given Alonso a major selection decision before Leeds.
Wednesday now looks like an ideal opportunity to reward that impact.
Quenda and Gittens were unused substitutes at Arsenal and should also be fresh.
Starting all three would allow Alonso to rest Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto after another demanding Premier League match.
Welbeck can lead the attack
Danny Welbeck is another obvious candidate.
The summer signing started against Luton and scored on his Chelsea debut in the competition.
He only played the final few minutes at Arsenal after replacing Rogers.
João Pedro, meanwhile, has started every Premier League game so far.
Giving Welbeck the No.9 role against Leeds would allow Chelsea to manage João Pedro’s workload while still fielding an experienced striker.
The changes would be substantial, but this should not be treated as a weakened Chelsea side.
Estêvão, Gittens, Quenda, Colwill and Welbeck are all senior options capable of pushing for more regular football.
Leeds should provide them with a much tougher examination than Luton.
Predicted Chelsea XI vs Leeds
GK: Mike Penders
RB: Malo Gusto
CB: Maxence Lacroix
CB: Levi Colwill
LB: Pep Chavarria
CM: Valentin Barco
CM: Romeo Lavia
RW: Geovany Quenda
AM: Estêvão Willian
LW: Jamie Gittens
ST: Danny Welbeck
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