Luton Town vs Chelsea: 3 things to look out for at Kenilworth Road
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2. Will Noni Madueke have a chance for an encore with the energy he brought vs. Crystal Palace?
With Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling coming back into the picture post-suspension, the likelihood of Noni Madueke starting is relatively slim. That does not mean we wouldn't see him at some point over the span of the 90 minutes. He was patient, took his chance, and ran with it. It was the first time playing a part in 20 or more minutes across all competitions since October when he started at home against Brentford. Poch spoke highly of Madueke post-Palace.
"I'm so happy and so glad with Noni Madueke for stepping up. That is an impact that we need when he's from the bench. Go there and go to fight, the mentality, that is the way that we need to build this project."
If nothing seems to be working, Poch knows there is a spark waiting in the wings on the bench. 2024 has to bring more opportunities for the English 21-year-old. You can see it in his eyes when he stepped on the pitch at the Bridge. That effort and passion deserves to be rewarded.
Back-to-back wins at Stamford Bridge secured from the penalty spot 🏡
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 28, 2023
🎯 @NoniMadueke_ pic.twitter.com/v1KhnR9h6Y
1. What will the frontline look like with Sterling and Palmer back in the fold?
The Blues' options in the attack were so small vs. the Eagles that Poch was forced into slotting Ian Maatsen on the right wing, in front of the Man of the Match Malo Gusto. Two attack-minded players who were once employed by Manchester City are back into the selection pool after suspension. You have to ask what the frontline will look like and how that group will play against a team that doesn't need the ball much?
Nicolas Jackson is likely the No. 9 with the potential of Christopher Nkunku acting as the No. 10. Cole Palmer may act as that conductor instead of the Frenchman while No. 18 moves out into a double striker role with the Senegalese international up top.
Raheem Sterling could serve as the forward player on either wing while the other is occupied by Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, or even Madueke. There are just so many possibilities with Nkunku fit enough to start, and the ex-Man City players back. A lot of it will depend on which he believes can deal with competing against a team that plays more on the defensive side of things.
Chelsea at Luton Town will be shown on television in the United States on USA Network and on TNT Sports 1 in the United Kingdom.