Xabi Alonso could make numerous changes for Chelsea's Carabao Cup third round tie against Leeds United in the middle of a busy week for the Blues
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer could be rested for this week's Carabao Cup third round tie against Leeds United(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA)
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Xabi Alonso surprised everyone the last time Chelsea played in the Carabao Cup.
With League One opposition in Luton Town coming to Stamford Bridge almost two weeks ago, many were expecting Alonso to make wholesale changes to his side. Not only because the Spaniard had an abundance of players to choose from, but also due to the fact Chelsea that the game was sandwiched in between two Premier League fixtures.
It is the same this time around. With no disrespect to Luton intended, the Blues will face more difficult opposition in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night with Leeds United the visitors to SW6. Yet, with more minutes under their belts, Alonso might be tempted to rest a few more of his crucial players this week.
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With this being said, football.london's Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes discuss and debate the line-ups they would choose if they were in Alonso's shoes. And there is an agreement regarding Cole Palmer.
Bobby Vincent
Mike Penders has to start. The Belgian goalkeeper needs first-team minutes this season - he was promised the chance to compete for the No.1 jersey this term - and the cup competitions look to be his best opportunity to gain some experience.
I'd personally run with a back four. Alonso will surely want to experiment with a three and four-back when he can while also keeping the opposition managers guessing.
Malo Gusto at right-back, with Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill and Pep Chavarria as well. That is if Colwill is deemed fit enough after he was an unused substitute in the Arsenal defeat due to a knock he suffered in the week.
The midfield options are limited. There is surely a temptation to look at the likes of Reggie Watson and Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli but instead, Reece James might be picked again. Alongside the Chelsea captain has surely got to be Valentin Barco.
In attack, Geovany Quenda on the right, Jamie Gittens on the other flank, Estevao Willian in the No.10 role, behind striker Danny Welbeck. There is an opportunity to rest the likes of Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro ahead of the visit of Hull City on Saturday afternoon - and it is one Alonso should not pass up on.
Bobby's XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Chavarria; James, Barco; Quenda, Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck
Jake Stokes
Although Alonso will be desperate to win a piece of silverware in his debut season as Chelsea manager, I think he'll recognise the value in returning to winning ways in the Premier League at the weekend.
That's not to say that I think the Spaniard will not treat the Leeds clash like any other game; I just don't think he'll put out as strong a team as the one that faced Luton in the previous round of the Carabao Cup – and, for what it's worth, I agree.Penders should resume duties between his sticks. In an ideal world, Aaron Anselmino makes a long-awaited return from injury, but, in the meantime, Maxence Lacroix will have to play again; he should be flanked by Colwill and Acheampong.By starting the latter, whether it be right-back on paper or right centre-half in the build-up, Alonso can then shift between systems while also ensuring the likes of Estevao, Quenda, and Gittens all get the chance they deserve to impress.In the middle of the park, I wouldn't be surprised if Gusto starts alongside Barco in order to give Romeo Lavia and James a rest. The sooner Jordan Henderson returns from injury, the better.It would be nice to see either of Watson or Nicoll-Jazuli in some capacity on Wednesday night, but any appearance will probably hinge on whether Chelsea are leading at the break. Up top, Welbeck; Joao Pedro needs a rest, too.
Jake's XI (4-2-3-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Chavarria; Lavia, Barco; Quenda, Estevao, Gittens; Welbeck