Chelsea will aim to bounce back from the Carabao Cup final heartbreak when they travel to Luton Town for Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round encounter.
The Blues were beaten 11-10 on penalties by Liverpool after the game had ended 0-0. Substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga missed the decisive penalty in the marathon shootout at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
However, Thomas Tuchel and co. will have little time to feel sorry for themselves and must regroup ahead of the FA Cup clash with Luton.
Chelsea Team News
Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off with a knock against Liverpool in the second half and remains doubtful to be fit ahead of Wednesday’s game. Andreas Christensen was a late withdrawal from the squad for the Carabao Cup final after sustaining an Achilles problem in training and the Danish defender doesn’t look like making it in time for the upcoming FA Cup tie.
However, Hakim Ziyech stands a good chance to make his return to the Chelsea lineup against Luton after sitting out the EFL Cup final due to a knock picked up against Lille in the Champions League last week.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Luton Town (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper
Thomas Tuchel might not risk knocking down Kepa Arrizabalaga’s confidence further after his missed penalty in the shootout against Liverpool. This could see him going with Edouard Mendy in goal against Luton Town.
Defence
Changes are expected in defence, with Tuchel likely to bring in Malang Sarr for Thiago Silva, who completed 120 minutes at Wembley on Sunday. Antonio Rudiger and Trevoh Chalobah must retain their spots in defence in the Chelsea lineup after their strong displays against Liverpool.
Fit-again Reece James replaced Cesar Azpilicueta in the 57th minute on Sunday and completed the full 120 minutes. The young Englishman looks likely to start at right wing-back, with Callum Hudson-Odoi starting on the other flank in the Chelsea lineup.
Midfield
Tuchel will opt for fresh legs in midfield as well and might bring in Saul Niguez and Jorginho. Saul and Jorginho will provide a strong platform for the creative players to cause damage in the final third against Luton Town.
Attack
Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic were guilty of missing great chances against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final and could now lose their spots in the starting XI. Hakim Ziyech, who has returned to training, could replace Mount in the no.10 role and provide the creative impetus to Chelsea to break down the hosts’ backline.
Tuchel could go with Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner up top on Wednesday, with both strikers badly in need of a goal or two to lift their confidence levels.