Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to make a number of changes for Wednesday’s EFL Cup second-round match at Stamford Bridge against League Two side AFC Wimbledon.
On Friday night, the Blues won their first Premier League game of the season at the third attempt, defeating Luton Town 3-0 due to a brace from Raheem Sterling and a goal from Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea were missing as many as ten players for their win over the Hatters, with Mykhaylo Mudryk (unspecified), Romeo Lavia (fitness), Wesley Fofana (knee), Benoit Badiashile (thigh), Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Reece James (thigh), Armando Broja (knee injury).
Only Mudryk and Badiashile have a chance to return for Wednesday’s game, but Pochettino should avoid taking any undue chances, especially with so many young players looking to make an impression.
New goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was there for Friday’s win over Luton and might potentially make his debut, while Bashir Humphreys and Marc Cucurella – reportedly a loan target for Manchester United – are also in line for promotion from the bench.
Levi Colwill may remain in the starting lineup, as may Conor Gallagher and Malo Gusto farther up the field, but Pochettino is anticipated to make changes.
On Wednesday, Lesley Ugochukwu and Ian Maatsen should make their claims for regular minutes, while Noni Madueke and Diego Moreira should be given a chance out wide.
Chelsea’s offensive ranks have been reinforced by the signing of Brazilian teenager Deivid Washington, but Mason Burstow may be given the nod at the spearhead of the assault from the outset.
Petrovic; Humphreys, Colwill, Cucurella; Gusto, Ugochukwu, Gallagher, Maatsen; Madueke, Burstow, Moreira; Madueke, Burstow, Moreira