Chelsea will look to carry their Premier League winning momentum into the Carabao Cup as they take on League One side Luton Town in the second round match at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea began their Premier League campaign by beating Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage. They conceded twice but played good football and took their chances to score three times.
Meanwhile, Luton Town are currently under Jack Wilshere, the former Arsenal player, and they have also begun their season on a good note. They are currently third in the table after two games and won their Carabao Cup first round game against Gillingham.
Here's everything you need to know about the match.
How to watch:
The match will be available to watch on Sky Sports+ in the UK, Paramount+ in the U.S., FanCode in India, and BeIN Sports in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live updates here.
Key Details:
Date, kick-off time:
UK BST: Thursday, Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m.
U.S. ET: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2:30 p.m.
India IST: Friday, Aug. 28, 12 a.m.
Australia AEST: Friday, Aug. 28, 4:30 a.m.
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Referee: Elliot Bell
Injury and Team News
Luton Town
Jordan Clark: Broken jaw, OUT
Chelsea
Caleb Wiley: Groin injury, DOUBT
Aaron Anselmino: Knock, DOUBT
Mamadou Sarr: Knock, DOUBT
Jordan Henderson: Wrist injury, OUT
Emmanuel Emegha: Hamstring injury, DOUBT
Expected Lineups
Luton Town Predicted XI
Josh Keeley
Kal Naismith | George Johnston | Mads Juel Andersen | Isaiah Jones
Liam Walsh
Emilio Lawrence | Kasey Palmer | Gideon Kodua | Jake Richards
Nahki Wells
Chelsea Predicted XI
Mike Penders
Josh Acheampong | Wesley Fofana| Jorrel Hato
Marco Palestra | Reece James | Valentín Barco | Pep Chavarría
Estêvão | Danny Welbeck | Geovany Quenda
Talking Points
Alonso set for Stamford Bridge debut
After an exciting win at Fulham in the Premier League, Alonso is all set for his first competitive match as Chelsea manager at home in Stamford Bridge. He will look for a winning start at home and no doubt the fans will be behind him.
While Chelsea could've done better defensively against Fulham, there is genuine excitement about the team's attacking football under Alonso. New signing Mogan Rogers combined well with fellow attackers Cole Palmer and João Pedro with all three scoring in the opening match of the Premier League.
Alonso will not start with the same team he did against Fulham and Chelsea do have a big squad to choose from. Against Luton, Rogers, Palmer and Pedro will be rested. Alonso will look to start Danny Welbeck along with goalkeeper Mike Penders. Marco Palestro and Valentin Barco are the other two names who could feature in the starting XI.
The Stamford Bridge crowd will have to wait a bit more to see the full-strength Chelsea side on the pitch, but they will be firmly behind their new manager on Thursday as he aims to make it two wins in two.
Wilshere will look to spoil Alonso party
Luton Town manager Jack Wilshere is not a stranger to Stamford Bridge, visiting multiple times as an Arsenal player. He knows a thing or two about playing there and will want to do it with Luton on Thursday.
It won't be easy. Even with a second string squad, Chelsea will be the favourties to go through. Luton have started the season on a positive note, winning their EFL Cup first round against Gillingham and followed by beating Reading in their league opener, which included a last-minute winner. Their previous match was a 2-2 draw against Notts County. Wilshere will look to carry forward the momentum to a big game against Chelsea and do their best to spoil Alonso's first foray at home.
Stats
Chelsea scored three goals in all four previous meetings with Luton Town.
Luton's last three matches produced 14 goals combined.
Luton scored in three of their four meetings with Chelsea despite losing all four.