Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first competitive game at Stamford Bridge as Luton Town arrive for a Carabao Cup second-round tie, with Leeds United awaiting the winners in the third round.
There’s no Enzo Fernandez in the matchday squad, despite Alonso saying the Manchester City target was available for selection, but Alonso has still named a strong team with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers starting.
Alonso watched Chelsea’s attack dazzle in a thrilling 3-2 win at Fulham on Monday for his first Premier League win, with Cole Palmer starring. League One side Luton won 3-0 away to Gillingham in the opening round to set up a glamour tie and have claimed four points from their opening two games.
Follow live updates from Chelsea v Luton, below
Two Chelsea debutants and one notable absentee
No Enzo Fernandez in the matchday squad for the hosts but there is a first start for Danny Welbeck up front and Valentin Barco in midfield.
Luton XI confirmed!
Here is how the visitors line up.
Keeley; Ashby, Odoffin, Johnston, Johnson; Benagr, Walsh; Palmer, Lawrence, Kodua; Marshall.
Subs: Shea, Naismith, Andersen, Richards, Wells, Fox, Jones, Chigozie, Cole.
Chelsea XI confirmed!
And it’s a strong team named by Alonso.
Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James, Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.
Subs: Sanchez, Anselmino, Hato, Watson, Lavia, Gittens, Neto, Emegha, Pedro.
Chelsea arrive at Stamford Bridge
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are all among the Chelsea players to arrive at Stamford Bridge. Is Xabi Alonso going strong?
Full team news will be confirmed shortly.
No VAR in operation
This stage of the Carabao Cup will not have VAR in operation. Something many will no doubt be grateful of.
The prize for tonight’s winners
The third round draw has already been made. Bizarre, right?
But both sides this evening know that a home encounter against Leeds United awaits in the third round.
A hint at Chelsea changes
We should have confirmed team news soon enough but Alonso has said that Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra are unavailable but goalkeeper Mike Penders might be given the nod between the posts. Wesley Fofana is suspended.
Welcome
Chelsea are not used to entering the Carabao Cup at this stage but after last season’s disappointment, this will represent the first opportunity for Xabi Alonso to win some silverware.
Luton Town will view this as a free hit because few will expect them to progress no matter how many changes the Blues make.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is 19:30 BST.
