Xabi Alonso faces a host of key decisions ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup third round tie with Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening
Xabi Alonso applauds the Chelsea supporters following the defeat at Arsenal
Xabi Alonso applauds the Chelsea supporters(Image: Ryan Pierse)
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Fresh off the back of defeat at Arsenal, Chelsea do not have too much time to prepare with Leeds United the visitors to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Xabi Alonso suffered his first defeat as Blues manager on Sunday evening, with the Gunners having too much for the west Londoners on the day. While there are some obvious areas of improvement needed for Alonso and his squad, there were equally a few positives to take from their spirited display at the Emirates Stadium.
Sunday seemingly proved Chelsea were a long way off Arsenal, even though they were only beaten by a single goal in north London, and therefore far away from challenging for the Premier League title anytime soon. It did, however, also show Alonso and his players are on the right path in one of the opening chapters under the Spaniard.
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Now for Alonso, it is about picking his players up - and he will have to do so in extra quick time, with Leeds coming to SW6 for the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday. Usually, you would expect Alonso, or any manager, to make a host of changes for a cup tie at such an early stage but given the Chelsea boss went with a really strong side against League One opposition in Luton Town in the last round, it is difficult to predict.
One person you would expect to get a chance is Mike Penders. The Belgian goalkeeper was promised opportunities this season and the cup ties look to be his best chance at that. Emiliano Martinez could drop to the bench at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso likes to keep the opposition guessing, so the Chelsea manager could go with a four-back formation. A more conventional 4-2-3-1, perhaps, with Malo Gusto coming back into the side in a more orthodox right-back role for the Frenchman.
Alongside him in defence, Josh Acheampong could keep his place. Levi Colwill could return after missing the defeat at Arsenal due to a knock. The England international was fit enough to be named on the bench at the Emirates but he didn't get on.
Pep Chavarria could make a rare start on the left-hand side of defence. In front of the defenders, Alonso's hands are somewhat tied.
Pep Chavarria
Pep Chavarria could start for Chelsea against Leeds United(Image: James Gill - Danehouse)
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Moises Caicedo was not fit enough to be named in the Chelsea squad against Arsenal. Even if he is this time around, it seems unlikely he would be risked in a Carabao Cup third round tie. Instead, Reece James might be asked to go again, with Valentin Barco coming in for Romeo Lavia alongside the Blues captain.
Estevao Willian deserves a start on the right wing, with Pedro Neto dropping out. Cole Palmer might be used again from the start, as he was in the last round of the competition, in the No.10 role. Geovany Quenda is surely pushing for a start on the left-hand side.
Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian is pushing for a start(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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Danny Welbeck may well be preferred to Emmanuel Emegha in the No.9 role. Alonso will surely use this chance to give Joao Pedro a rest before the visit of Hull City on Saturday afternoon.
Possible Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Chavarria; James, Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Quenda; Welbeck