The Carabao Cup will mean a lot to Chelsea as it is one of three trophies they can win this season, however Xabi Alonso will have to keep his back-up players hungry and ready for when their chance arrives.
The conundrum will be revealed at around 6:30 onwards as his team will be announced, so will he go for Estevao in place of Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck replacing Joao Pedro following and who will go in the midfield.
We have picked our XI to start the game and hopefully bring a ticket for the next round home.
GK: Mike Penders
The Belgian keeper will likely be the consistent in the cup games as he auditions for Emi Martinez’s spot for next season. If he can keep possession, he is half way there.
CB: Josh Acheampong
Impressed against Arsenal and will likely remain in the right of the three. Will need to improve his attacking output to overtake Fofana for me.
CB: Wesley Fofana
Given this opportunity to give Maxence Lacroix a rest, likely a place on the bench. The Frenchman will be looking to improve his performances.
CB: Levi Colwill
Now fit again, there is no reason not to throw him back into the mix. Give him 70+minutes, if winning, take him off and replace with an understudy.
RWB: Malo Gusto
Back to his more natural position after playing in central midfield this season, the Frenchman will offer solidity to that flank that has arguably been Chelsea’s strongest this season.
DM: Romeo Lavia
Thought he played well against Arsenal as he pressed well and came off a little too early. I he can progress the ball well further up the pitch then we have a very good midfield option.
DM: Valentin Barco
Needs minutes to see what he got. The Argentine will be the more creative of the two in this system.
LWB: Pep Chavarria
Also someone who could benefit from more minutes, with his last start coming against Luton in the previous round. He will be hoping to provide greater defensive solidity after impressing with his attacking output.
AM: Estevao
Looked busy when he came on against Arsenal. Will be more efficient further up the pitch in this game as the Brazilian deserves to play more minutes.
AM: Morgan Rogers
Give Cole a rest for this one and perhaps give Morgan an hour. It will be exciting to see him link up with some different players.
ST: Danny Welbeck
Mr Reliable, especially as a back-up to Joao Pedro. Will want to score in this game to push the Brazilian forward favourite all the way.
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