Chelsea predicted lineup vs AFC Wimbledon - Carabao Cup
- Chelsea take on AFC Wimbledon in Carabao Cup second round
- Mauricio Pochettino dealing with a mountain of injuries
- Academy stars expected to get run outs
Victory against Luton on Friday night helped raise the spirits at Stamford Bridge following their defeat at West Ham on matchday two of the Premier League season.
While a home triumph against a side many expect to go straight back down to the Championship will hardly ignite the Mauricio Pochettino era in west London, Chelsea fans must've enjoyed a relatively stress-free evening of Blues football.
They'll be hoping for similar comfort on Wednesday night as they begin their Carabao Cup journey in the second round against League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon. Pochettino is bound to make a whole host of changes from Friday night's XI, and here's how the Blues could line-up.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs AFC Wimbledon (3-4-2-1)
GK: Djordje Petrovic - Chelsea's new acquisition was in the house as Chelsea overcame Luton on Friday night, and he could make an early appearance at his new club.
CB: Bashir Humphreys - The 20-year-old has made just one senior appearance for Chelsea, but Humphreys is projected to make Pochettino's XI on Wednesday with the likes of Axel Disasi and Thiago Silva poised to earn rests.
CB: Levi Colwill - Colwill has assured himself of a starting berth in the Premier League XI, but Chelsea's injury woes mean at least one senior starter will have to play in this cup clash.
CB: Marc Cucurella - Cucurella might not be a Chelsea player come the end of the transfer window, but Pochettino could call upon the Spaniard's services for Wednesday's game.
RWB: Malo Gusto - Reece James' absence leaves Pochettino pretty short changed down the right flank, with Gusto likely to retain his place after impressing last time out.
CM: Lesley Ugochukwu - Ugochukwu is unlikely to feature much in the Premier League, especially once Romeo Lavia returns to full fitness. However, this is a great opportunity for Chelsea fans to see what the former Rennes midfielder is all about.
CM: Moises Caicedo - After making his first start for the Blues on Friday night, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the record-breaking arrival get another runout. Caicedo barely had a pre-season and Poch needs him up to speed as soon as possible. These minutes could be handy.
LWB: Ian Maatsen - The versatile Maatsen impressed in pre-season and it looks like he'll be a part of Pochettino's plans this season, even if he only plays a minor role. He's a sure bet to start on Wednesday, and he'll likely be tasked with marauding down the left flank.
RW: Noni Madueke - Raheem Sterling's majestic form means Madueke's current pathway to Premier League starts has been obscured. However, he'll almost certainly make Poch's XI on Wednesday with Sterling unlikely to be risked.
ST: Mason Burstow - Burstow scored in Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in pre-season, and he was thrown on in a bid to save the game at West Ham. Nicolas Jackson is currently the club's only senior striker with Armando Broja injured and there's no way he'll start on Wednesday.
LW: Diego Moreira - The free arrival from Benfica could get a chance to shine against Wimbledon with Mykhailo Mudryk an injury doubt. Moreira has plenty of talent and he might be one to watch should he impress.
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