Chelsea take on Leeds in the Carabao Cup tonight, an interesting chance for Xabi Alonso to use some of his squad players.
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Xabi Alonso’s team for Chelsea’s first Carabao Cup game of the season, against Luton, caught us all out by how strong it was. Tonight we take on Leeds, a higher standard of opposition, and we expect the manager to put out a similarly solid side.
There are bound to be some changes though – so who will he select? Here’s out predicted XI for the game.
Alonso keeps strong team but drops some key players
In goal it’s got to be Mike Penders. He’s clearly been promised the cup games in his first Chelsea season.
The back line shouldn’t need too many changes. Levi Colwill could come back in with Wesley Fofana dropping out so he’s ready to play at the weekend. Josh Acheampong and Maxence Lacroix can continue in the other slots.
Pep Chavarria is deserving of a chance down the left flank, and Pedro Neto will probably keep his spot on the right.
Centrally, Romeo Lavia can start after playing just an hour against Arsenal, and Valentin Barco should get a chance alongside him.
Danny Welbeck led the line against Luton and should keep his place, with Morgan Rogers staying in and Cole Palmer dropping out for Estevao.
In other news…
David Ornstein was asked about an interesting conspiracy theory which has been doing the rounds – and made it sound pretty unlikely.
Dastan Satpayev has been brought back to Cobham to rehab a hamstring injury from his loan to Burnley – which is a real shame for him.
