Chelsea v Luton LIVE: No Fernandez in squad but Palmer and Rogers start as Alonso names strong Carabao Cup side
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Why Chelsea Are SERIOUS Title ContendersChelsea boss Xabi Alonso takes charge of his first competitive game at Stamford Bridge as Luton Town arrive for a Carabao Cup second-round tie, with Leeds United awaiting the winners in the third round. There’s no Enzo Fernandez in the matchday squad, despite Alonso saying the Manchester City target was available for selection, but Alonso has still named a strong team with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers starting.
Follow live updates from Chelsea v Luton, belowThird round datesThe third round will be played across the weeks of September 7 and 14 and will be dependent on the fixtures of those in European action.Alan Smith27 August 2026 19:00Alonso eyes consistent growthSpeaking in his pre-match press conference, the new Chelsea head coach said he expects his team to improve gradually as the new campaign progresses.“Most of the teams will get better and better in the weeks ahead and with more games,’ said Alonso. And I think it's going to be better, and the next year will be even better.”Alonso arrives at the Bridge.
(Reuters)Alan Smith27 August 2026 18:55Third round draw in fullThere are still two more ties to be completed this evening (Fulham v Wimbledon is the other one) but here is how the next round is shaping upCarabao Cup third round draw in fullCrystal Palace v MiddlesbroughManchester United v BrightonManchester City v Norwich CitySunderland v Hull CityIpswich v ArsenalCoventry v Aston VillaBournemouth v LincolnLiverpool v TottenhamChelsea or Luton v Leeds UnitedMillwall v Newcastle UnitedFleetwood v Sheffield UnitedEverton v WolvesLeyton Orient v Bradford CityReading v BrentfordPeterborough v BarnsleyWest Ham v Fulham or WimbledonAlan Smith27 August 2026 18:41Get yer half-n-half scarvesMaybe it’s a memento for young Luton fans - even if this was a Premier League fixture not so long ago.(Reuters)Alan Smith27 August 2026 18:37Two Chelsea debutants and one notable absenteeNo Enzo Fernandez in the matchday squad for the hosts but there is a first start for Danny Welbeck up front and Valentin Barco in midfield.Alan Smith27 August 2026 18:26Luton XI confirmed!Here is how the visitors line up.Keeley; Ashby, Odoffin, Johnston, Johnson; Benagr, Walsh; Palmer, Lawrence, Kodua; Marshall.Subs: Shea, Naismith, Andersen, Richards, Wells, Fox, Jones, Chigozie, Cole.Alan Smith27 August 2026 18:21Chelsea XI confirmed!And it’s a strong team named by Alonso.Penders; Gusto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James, Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck.Subs: Sanchez, Anselmino, Hato, Watson, Lavia, Gittens, Neto, Emegha, Pedro.Alan Smith27 August 2026 18:17Chelsea arrive at Stamford Bridge Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro are all among the Chelsea players to arrive at Stamford Bridge. Something many will no doubt be grateful of.Alan Smith27 August 2026 18:10The prize for tonight's winnersThe third round draw has already been made.