Chelsea host League One side Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round as Xabi Alonso looks to continue his winning start at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have little time to enjoy their winning start to the 2026/27 Premier League season as Xabi Alonso’s side welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Thursday night.
The Blues began the Alonso era with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday, with new signing Morgan Rogers scoring on his competitive debut. Now, just three days later, Chelsea turn their attention to the cup and face a very different challenge against League One outfit Luton Town.
On paper, this should be a comfortable evening for the home side. But with Chelsea already dealing with a congested start to the campaign, Alonso is likely to rotate heavily while still demanding a professional performance from his players.
Match preview
Chelsea could hardly have asked for a better opening to life under Alonso.
The Blues travelled to Craven Cottage on Monday and came away with a 3-2 victory, surviving a late Fulham fightback to give their new manager three points in his first competitive game. Rogers was among the standout performers, scoring after combining with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Starting the season with a win! ✊#CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/7qAdYSC569
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 24, 2026
The quick turnaround, however, means Alonso cannot afford to field his strongest XI again.
Chelsea have Brighton & Hove Albion waiting at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, followed by an away trip to Arsenal, so squad rotation is almost inevitable. The Carabao Cup therefore provides an ideal opportunity for several fringe players and summer arrivals to make their mark.
Chelsea are entering the competition in the second round and are aiming to win the trophy for a sixth time. Luton, meanwhile, have fallen all the way into League One after consecutive relegations from the Premier League and missed out on the play-offs last season by a single point.
Luton have very little to lose. Chelsea have almost everything to lose.
The Hatters will arrive at Stamford Bridge knowing that a disciplined defensive display and a bit of luck could turn the game into a nightmare for the Premier League giants. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be expected to control proceedings from the opening whistle.
History certainly favours the Blues. Chelsea have won each of their last four meetings with Luton, including a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge and a 3-2 success at Kenilworth Road during the Hatters’ 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Team News
Chelsea have several players who could return to the squad, although Alonso is expected to make wholesale changes following Monday’s victory.
Moises Caicedo and new signing Marco Palestra missed the Fulham game after picking up injuries in training but could be available. Aaron Anselmino will also be assessed, while Jordan Henderson remains sidelined with the wrist injury he suffered at the 2026 World Cup. New forward Emmanuel Emegha is another absentee with a hamstring problem.
Wesley Fofana is available again after serving a suspension carried over from last season and could make his first appearance of the campaign. With Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro having played significant minutes on Monday, Alonso is expected to rest some of his key attacking players.
We’ll host Luton Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/WJxeHF8DU2
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 10, 2026
That could open the door for the likes of Estevao Willian, Geovany Quenda, Jamie Gittens and Pedro Neto, while Danny Welbeck could lead the line. Mike Penders could also make his competitive Chelsea debut.
Luton will be hoping their players can take advantage of any changes to the Chelsea team and make the most of their opportunity at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea vs Luton Town Predicted XI
Chelsea Predicted XI:
Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Fofana; Palestra, Lavia, Barco, Chavarria; Quenda, Estevao; Welbeck
Luton Town Predicted XI:
Kaminski; Walters, Bell, McGuinness; Kioso, Clark, Baptiste, Doughty; Campbell, Morris; Brown
Score Prediction
Chelsea 3-0 Luton Town
