Chelsea will be bidding to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League on Saturday when they travel to Kenilworth Road to face Luton Town.
The Blues bounced back from the disappointing 2-1 away defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers by winning it late against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. A Noni Madueke penalty in the 89th minute helped Mauricio Pochettino’s side win the London derby 2-1 and climb to 10th in the table.
Pochettino hopes to build some momentum before heading into the New Year and end Chelsea’s four-game losing run on the road by beating Luton, who marched to a riveting 3-2 win over Sheffield United on Boxing Day.
Chelsea Team News
Both Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer are eligible for selection again after serving their one-game suspensions against Crystal Palace, where Romeo Lavia finally made his Chelsea debut from the bench.
Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella (ankle), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (thigh) and Robert Sanchez (knee) all remain out for the Blues.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Luton Town (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Djordje Petrovic made some good saves to help Chelsea beat Crystal Palace in midweek. He will be hoping to keep a clean sheet against Luton Town.
Defence
Thiago Silva looks set to come back into the team after his impactful cameo against Palace. The veteran Brazilian should replace Benoit Badiashile and partner Axel Disasi at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.
Malo Gusto put in a fantastic performance in midweek and deserves to keep his place at right-back, while Levi Colwill hopes to keep things tight at the back from the left-back position.
Midfield
If Enzo Fernandez doesn’t recover from the hernia problem in time for the trip to Luton, Conor Gallagher is certain to start alongside Moises Caicedo in the double pivot. The duo will be responsible for screening Chelsea’s defence and building attacks from the middle of the park.
Cole Palmer makes Chelsea tick with his creativity, ball-carrying and guile from the No.10 role. Free from suspension, he is a certainty to start against Luton.
Attack
Raheem Sterling could be deployed on the right flank after serving a one-game suspension. Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is expected to start on the left wing, looks to get on the scoresheet again after scoring against Palace.
Nicolas Jackson could be handed a rest. He looks to be low on confidence right now, and it could be the match to test Christopher Nkunku from the No.9 role. Jackson and Armando Broja may get chances to make an impact off the bench against Luton.