Chelsea desperately need a result tomorrow night when they host Brighton.
The Blues will temporarily park the Premier League and turn their attention towards the third round of the Carabao Cup, with Brighton the opponents at Stamford Bridge.
With no European football this season, the Blues supporters will be desperate for a run in the two domestic cup competitions.
The fact that Mauricio Pochettino’s side has just one win in their opening six Premier League games may make them underdogs on Wednesday night against Brighton.
The Chelsea Chronicle has predicted the line-up Pochettino will select in the cup, which includes six changes from the side that lost to Aston Villa at the weekend.
GK and defence
We’re tipping goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, 23, to get his first Chelsea appearance in midweek. This would be at the expense of new first-choice keeper Robert Sanchez.
With Malo Gusto suspended after his red card, Axel Disasi shifts across to start at right-back. Meanwhile, Thiago Silva should be given the night off to rest.
Levi Colwill is likely to start again, this time starting in his preferred centre-back position. His partner may be 19-year-old Alfie Gilchrist for what would be a senior debut.
Finally, £60million player (Sky Sports) Marc Cucurella returns to the starting XI at left-back to complete the backline.
Midfield
Lesley Ugochukwu, who’s done quite well when he’s played this season, could replace Moises Caicedo as the defensive midfielder.
Meanwhile, stand-in captain Conor Gallagher may get to extend his run of starting every single game since Pochettino took charge as the head coach.
Attack
Raheem Sterling starts again for Chelsea, and they really need him to add to his tally of two goals this campaign.
Meanwhile, there could be a change on the left wing with Ben Chilwell replacing Mykhailo Mudryk. It’s not a move we would push for in any game, but Pochettino has shown his hand several times this season and is likely to be pragmatic against a strong Brighton team.
The sixth and final change could see Cole Palmer get his first start. That would mean Enzo Fernandez dropping out of the No 10 position and down to the bench.
Finally, Nicolas Jackson leads the line for the Blues. It’s worth adding he can’t play this weekend when he’s suspended for the Premier League fixture against Fulham.
Chelsea predicted line-up
Petrovic
Disasi Gilchist Colwill Cucurella
Ugochukwu Gallagher
Sterling Palmer Chilwell
Jackson
IN: Djordje Petrovic, Alfie Gilchrist, Marc Cucurella, Lesley Ugochukwu, Cole Palmer, Ben Chilwell
OUT: Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Thiago Silva, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk
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