Chelsea have been given just 72 hours to prepare for the return to action after booking their place in the EFL Cup final.
Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez in particular had great performances as the Blues picked up an emphatic victory in their biggest game of the season.
Mauricio Pochettino may be looking to some of his squad as they are back in FA Cup action on Friday night against Aston Villa.
Here’s The Chelsea Chronicle’s predicted XI for the tie at the weekend.
GK and Defence
Djordje Petrovic will have been frustrated to not pick up a clean sheet on Tuesday, however he will have another chance later this week.
Pochettino will look to one of his younger stars to play right-back, with Alfie Gilchrist getting his second start of his Chelsea career.
Axel Disasi impressed greatly against Middlesbrough, and we will be back in his regular position of centre-back against Villa.
He will be partnered by Benoit Badiashile, who has been back on the bench in recent weeks following his injury concerns.
Ben Chilwell still regaining fitness will see Levi Colwill move back to left-back, despite the duo showing what they can do in their best positions on Tuesday.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo was afforded an early finish during the week, and he will start in the FA Cup on Friday.
He will be partnered by Enzo Fernandez, who found his fifth goal of the season that put the Blues in the lead in the EFL Cup.
Ahead of those two, a fresh Conor Gallagher will return to the squad after moving out of the starting XI during the week.
Attack
Cole Palmer exorcised some demons against Middlesbrough, and will be relied upon in attack to facilitate attacks at Stamford Bridge.
On the opposite side, Raheem Sterling will feature on the left, replacing an underperforming Mykhailo Mudryk.
Up front, Armando Broja will be handed what could well be his last chance in a Chelsea shirt with an appearance against Aston Villa.
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