Chelsea Football Club will begin their Carabao Cup journey at home as they will face League Two side AFC Wimbledon on August 30, 2023. CFC head into the game after registering a 3-0 victory over Luton Town in the Premier League. This win by the Blues was important considering they had a shaky start to the Premier League season.
On the other hand, AFC Wimbledon have begun their League Two campaign undefeated. In the five league games Wimbledon have played till now, they have won two and drawn three. Their undefeated campaign till now will give them confidence when they visit Stamford Bridge to play a game important to both teams.
On paper, the west Londoners seem favorite to beat Wimbledon. While this is by no means an underestimation of the capabilities Wimbledon possesses, Mauricio Pochettino can use this opportunity to rest some big names ahead of Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League games.
Two Chelsea stars Mauricio Pochettino must drop
Thiago Silva:
In the three games Chelsea have played this season, it has been evident Thiago Silva is key to the club’s defense. Despite his age, Silva seems to be as fit as any other player in the setup. However, that does not mean the Brazilian must be overworked. Considering the season will be long and grueling, it would only make sense for Silva to be rested.
Instead of the 38-year-old, the home team can give their younger talents a chance against Wimbledon. Not only will the experience be vital to the younger players, but it will also help in squad rotation. If the Stamford Bridge club want to finish top four this season, the health and availability of Thiago Silva will be extremely important.
Raheem Sterling:
Like Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling has also proved his worth in the current Chelsea team. Despite the club not having favorable results early on, Sterling has looked decent in every game. The Englishman’s pace and dribbling along with his ability to link up with the strikers has caused problems to the defence of the teams he has played against.
In fact, in the match against Luton, Sterling scored a brace to the delight of CFC fans. Hence, if the Blues want to score more goals and beat big names in the Premier League, a fully fit Sterling leading the attacking third is what the team will need. Hence, it would be in the club’s best interest to rest Sterling and play Mykhailo Mudryk in his place.
While Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling are two names whom must be rested ahead of the important games, the club can also take a gamble by resting more players. This is in no way an underestimation of AFC Wimbledon, but simply proof of the quality Chelsea FC possesses.