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Chelsea make an early entrance in this season's Carabao Cup as they host Luton Town in the competition's second round on Thursday.
With no European football on their schedule, the Blues are appearing in the second round for just the third time in three decades, their last such occasion coming in 2023 when they defeated AFC Wimbledon 2–1 at Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso is expected to ring the changes against League One opposition, rotating heavily after Monday's 3–2 victory over Fulham—the Spaniard's first competitive match in charge of Chelsea.
Here's the lineup he could field for Luton's trip to west London.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Luton
GK: Mike Penders—Following a torrid start to the campaign for Robert Sánchez, 21-year-old Penders must seize this chance to catch Alonso's eye and challenge the erratic Spaniard for the starting spot. A strong 2025–26 campaign with sister club Strasbourg has raised optimism about his prospects.
CB: Josh Acheampong—Having allowed the likes of Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and soon Tosin Adarabioyo to depart, Chelsea are somewhat thin at center back for a 3-4-2-1 setup. Acheampong may be required to start consecutive matches.
CB: Maxence Lacroix—Likewise, Lacroix may not be given a breather after his official Chelsea debut against Fulham. The Frenchman shone in the win, even contributing a fine assist.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Having sat out the short journey to Craven Cottage due to a suspension carried over from last season, Fofana is now available to make his return against Luton.
RWB: Geovany Quenda—The summer arrival made his Premier League bow against Fulham and is set to make his Carabao Cup debut as an attacking wingback on Thursday. The 19-year-old featured prominently throughout preseason.
CM: Dário Essugo—Despite what feels like an endless stream of signings in recent summers, Essugo has already faded from the spotlight. An injury-plagued debut season didn't do the 21-year-old any favors, though he remains a gifted young player with considerable upside.
CM: Valentín Barco—A quiet spell at Brighton & Hove Albion was offset by a standout stint at Strasbourg. Chelsea took a chance on the 22-year-old Argentine, who is expected to make his debut against Luton.
LWB: Pep Chavarría—The summer addition faces fierce competition from the likes of Marco Palestra and Jorrel Hato for a place in the starting eleven. With the former sidelined by injury and the latter having played last time out, the Spaniard could earn a spot in the XI.
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RF: Estêvão—After heartbreakingly missing the summer's World Cup through injury, Estêvão begins his redemption arc. Further flashes of the Brazilian's brilliance are expected throughout the season.
ST: Danny Welbeck—Welbeck will be eager to get off the mark for Chelsea. This is precisely the type of fixture he was brought in for, even if he hasn't found the net in the Carabao Cup since 2022–23.
LF: Jamie Gittens—A difficult debut season means pressure is already mounting on Gittens. Time runs short quickly at Stamford Bridge, and he finds himself playing catch-up to Chelsea's other attacking options.