Chelsea’s run of fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United in the space of eight days could define Xabi Alonso’s autumn. The Blues host Spurs on Saturday, then visit Anfield in the Carabao Cup fourth round on 28 October. After this, they will welcome United to Stamford Bridge on 31 October.
Alonso must deal with the absence of Reece James, Emiliano Martínez, Jamie Gittens and Emmanuel Emegha in that period. With Chelsea in fourth on 13 points, they have to make the league their priority this season due to the lack of European football. The manager will have to think carefully over his rotation plans ahead of the busy schedule.
Tottenham (H): No Room for Rotation
Spurs’ 16th-placed side will be without the suspended Rodrigo Bentancur. This makes it a game Chelsea should look to attack at full strength. The side that won 2-0 at Everton will largely pick itself, with Mike Penders replacing the injured Martínez in goal.
A suggested XI in a 3-4-2-1 shape would be Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
Liverpool (A): The Natural Place to Rotate
Cup duty comes four days after the local derby and three days ahead of the clash against United. This means Anfield is where fresh legs should be deployed. Henderson, 36, should be rested after Saturday’s derby, with Romeo Lavia and Valentin Barco handed the midfield responsibility.
Danny Welbeck scored twice in the 6-3 win over Leeds in the previous round and deserves to lead the line. The suggested XI: Penders; Fofana, Acheampong, Colwill; Palestra, Lavia, Barco, Hato; Estêvão, Quenda; Welbeck. Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro could come off the bench.
Manchester United (H): Back to Full Strength
United lie 13th with seven points from their opening seven games, and Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure. Alonso’s first-choice players should start against the Red Devils, with Henderson back to operate alongside Moisés Caicedo, and Palmer behind Joao Pedro.
Rotating at Anfield carries risk, with Alonso having lost both his previous encounters against Liverpool as a coach. Positive results in these three fixtures would do more for Chelsea’s season than the opening league fixtures did.