Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, looks on before the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Xabi Alonso could find he has many selection headaches to sort through on Sunday as Chelsea go to Wearside to take on Sunderland, and one player is pushing him for a return to the starting XI.
Estevao has given Alonso a real headache. While that might not be an issue on Sunday when Chelsea look for revenge at Sunderland, it will be when Joao Pedro is fit. Sunderland beat Chelsea in May 2026.
The 2-1 win saw Chelsea’s hope of European football come to an end. Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana’s form may see Alonso use a different defender, while Marco Palestra, Jorrel Hato and Pep Chavarria are all fit.
READ MORE: Chelsea face fresh Moises Caicedo concern, it could see an eighth midfield pair
New selection headache as Martinez pushes for Sunderland start
Emi Martinez was spotted in training on Wednesday, and as per The Mail’s Kieran Gill, the Argentine goalkeeper is pushing to start on Sunday, having missed just three games since fracturing his jaw.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
Neto gotta be in for a shout surely?
Shuffle Estevao and Neto equally Lacroix besides Colwill at the center Shuffle Acheampong with James and Lacroix Henderson shuffles with Lavia Barco shuffles with Caicedo
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
It comes after Martinez was named by Lionel Scaloni in Argentina’s squad, alongside Aaron Anselmino and Valentin Barco: “Xabi Alonso will update us on Friday on whether it’s been decided he can/can’t.
“But Emi Martinez has been pushing to play vs Sunderland, and he’s training today. Leaves Chelsea with a choice: stick with Mike Penders, or immediately return to Martinez,” Gill reported on Wednesday.
It was initially believed that Martinez would be missing for six games, taking him well past the November break and missing Chelsea’s first two games against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest after the break.
Who should Alonso start? Martinez is the obvious choice
Of course, if both players are fit, Martinez should start over Mike Penders. Martinez is the club’s first-choice option, and Penders will fully understand – if a little disheartened that Martinez is back so soon.
But if Alonso turns to the stats to make his decision, who should start against Sunderland? Below, we consider the Premier League form of both goalkeepers; Penders’ stats are arguably better than Martinez’s.
Statistic Emi Martínez Mike Penders
Appearances 6 3
Starts 6 2
Minutes 524 196
Goals conceded 11 2
Goals conceded per 90 1.89 0.92
Saves 25 7
Shots on target faced 36 9
Save percentage 69.4% 77.8%
Clean sheets 1 1
Goals prevented +1.65 +0.73
Penders has conceded fewer goals per 90 minutes and boasts a better save percentage. But homage does need to be paid to Martinez, who has prevented less goals – and Chelsea’s defence is more solid, now.
It would be harsh on Penders to drop him, but ultimately, he is a 21-year-old goalkeeper who has started only twice in the Premier League, and against Tottenham, he made a huge mistake during the 2-0 defeat.