Mauricio Pochettino makes five changes: Chelsea predicted XI vs AFC Wimbledon

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Chelsea enter the Carabao Cup tomorrow night against AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the domestic competition.

The Blues exited the tournament at the first hurdle last season, losing to eventual winners Manchester City.

So, it feels like there’s some pressure to do well in the cup competitions this year, especially as there’s no European football at Stamford Bridge this campaign.

The Chelsea Chronicle has predicted the starting line-up Mauricio Pochettino will select at home to AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday evening. This includes five changes from the side that beat Luton Town 3-0 last Friday night in the Premier League

GK and defence

Robert Sanchez keeps his spot in the XI, which is something Pochettino confirmed in Tuesday’s press conference. That is because it’s unclear if new signing Djordje Petrovic has been cleared to make his debut yet.

It’s a return to the back four formation that was common throughout pre-season, which could allow both Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill the night off to rest.

Malo Gusto, who got two assists versus Luton, could keep his spot and drop into a right-back role.

Meanwhile, Axel Disasi keeps his starting position at centre-back. He’s joined in the heart of defence by 20-year-old youngster Bashir Humphreys for his first appearance of the season.

Finally, Ian Maatsen comes into the XI at left-back at the expense of vice-captain Ben Chilwell.

Midfield

We reckon Enzo Fernandez could be given a rare rest in midweek, but it’s still a very strong midfield that should dominate against League Two side AFC Wimbledon.

Moises Caicedo retains his spot at the base of midfield as the new signing gets more minutes in his legs.

As for Conor Gallagher, he keeps his starting position as the versatile midfielder continues to impress under Pochettino.

One of the players introduced to the side could be summer recruit Lesley Ugochukwu, which would be for his first start. We want to see more of the £23million midfielder (BBC) after some small eye-catching cameos off the bench in the Premier League.

Attack

It’s a bit of a new-look attack for Chelsea, albeit it still includes in-form Raheem Sterling to allow him to keep up this early-season momentum.

He’s joined by a couple more players bumped up from the bench to the starting XI.

First of all, Noni Madueke comes into the forward line and could regularly swap wide positions with Sterling.

Next, Mason Burstow replaces Nicolas Jackson as the central striker.

Chelsea predicted line-up vs AFC Wimbledon

Petrovic
Gusto Disasi Humphreys Maatsen
Ugochukwu Caicedo Gallagher
Madueke Bursrtow Sterling

IN: Bashir Humphreys, Ian Maatsen, Lesley Ugochukwu, Noni Maduke, Mason Burstow
OUT: Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson