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Chelsea vs Luton Town – Predicted lineup and team news
Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first match at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, with Luton Town the visitors in a Carabao Cup second-round tie.
It is Chelsea’s first involvement in this season’s competition, entering at this stage due to their absence from Europe.
Chelsea team news
Jordan Henderson remains out with a wrist injury sustained at the World Cup, and Emmanuel Emegha, though back in training after a hamstring problem, is not yet ready to feature. Wesley Fofana is suspended, serving the second of a two-match ban carried over from a red card against Sunderland last season.
Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra both missed the Fulham win with knocks picked up in training; Caicedo is more likely to be available for the weekend trip to Brighton, while Palestra’s involvement remains less certain. Aaron Anselmino is also a doubt with a hamstring issue.
Alonso is expected to make wholesale changes from the side that started at Fulham, with Mike Penders in line for his full debut in goal ahead of Robert Sanchez. Left-back Pep Chavarria, midfielder Valentin Barco and striker Danny Welbeck could all also make their full debuts, while Palestra would complete a fifth debut if passed fit.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are all expected to be rested, with Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and Geovany Quenda competing for starting places alongside Welbeck. Enzo Fernandez, subject to continued transfer speculation involving Manchester City, has trained well this week and is expected to be involved despite the uncertainty over his future.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Chelsea possible starting XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Colwill, Lacroix; Palestra, Lavia, Barco, Chavarria; Neto, Estevao; Welbeck
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup match kicks off at 19:30 on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
How to watch Chelsea vs Luton Town?
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+ in the UK.
See also – Running stat bodes well for Chelsea under Xabi Alonso
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