Chelsea v Luton Town - Carabao Cup Second Round
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Wesley Fofana has been the source of criticism for Chelsea fans for some time now, and his last two performances in a Blues shirt have not helped. Now, Xabi Alonso has a decision to make.
With Maxence Lacroix injured, Jorrel Hato missing training on Wednesday, and Josh Acheampong playing as a right-back, Chelsea lack options in the middle of the defence. Levi Colwill automatically starts.
But it is up in the air when picking the man to go alongside him. There is scope for Acheampong to play inside and put Marco Palestra at right-back. Others would like to see Tayo Subuloye given a chance.
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Fofana or Anselmino? Chelsea fans make their choice clear
One thing is for sure: Chelsea fans don’t want Fofana to start at Sunderland. The Frenchman has given fans more proof that he is capable of a clanger, conceding a penalty and missing one against Liverpool.
How confident are you that Chelsea can get the better of Sunderland? ⚽
Bluez win
Going to be quite the match. I think Chelsea will do well.
Then, as Chelsea’s last man, he conceded possession to Amad Diallo, and Chelsea were lucky to escape conceding. Lacroix is injured, but despite a lack of options, Chelsea fans want Fofana dropped from the XI.
Especially considering it was another Fofana clanger that saw Chelsea miss out on European football on the final day of last season. Fofana was sent off during a 2-1 loss at the Stadium of Light last season.
Ahead of a return to Wearside this weekend, Chelsea fans want Fofana dropped after Aaron Anselmino was seen back in Chelsea training on Wednesday. They want Alonso to take a risk and start Anselmino.
You think Fofana would start over a fit Anselmino 🤣, that is a proper no nonsense defender, nothing spectacular about him on the ball but he’d break legs and block goals an old school type like Terry Cahil Vidic Ramos Pepe Ferdinand
— kross (@Mayowa44219785) November 3, 2026
Anselmino has not been seen by Chelsea fans since the Club World Cup, when he made a brief cameo for the Blues. He has since been on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg, but injury halted his progress.
He did go on tour with Chelsea to Australia and Asia, but typically, he picked up an injury against Johor Darul Ta’Zim. “Anselmino, I’m rooting for him. He needs to take over Fofana’s spot”, one fan commented.
@Blue_Footy Glad to see that Anselmino got a call-up. Surely he should get some minutes now, given Lacroix’s injury and Fofana’s questionable performances.
— Chelsiac (@imchelseamaniac) November 3, 2026
Chelsea fans reacted to clips of Anselmino in training, with one posting: “Play Anselmino over Fofana,” while another said: “Finally, Anselmino is back. He needs to stay fit; I don’t want to see Fofana start.”
Why Anselmino could be the dark horse of Alonso’s stint
Anselmino is a no-nonsense defender who excels in duels but has plenty of pace, which would allow Alonso to play with a preferred high line. It would help Chelsea box in an opponent and press high.
While it feels unlikely Anselmino will start on Sunday, the youngster has just been called up by Argentina alongside Emi Martinez and Valentin Barco for the November break. Clearly, he is ready to play.
Fofana’s stats suggest he isn’t as bad as Chelsea fans are making out, but Anselmino’s return to fitness might be just what Alonso needed – after such a bad start to the season where injuries are concerned.