Mauricio Pochettino hands Moises Caicedo his first Chelsea start tonight as they host Luton Town in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge. The British record signing endured a difficult debut at West Ham last week but starts alongside Enzo Fernandez for the first time amid the hope they will be the club’s two midfield anchors for the years to come.
Ben Chilwell continues to captain and play on the flank, partnering Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson up front. With the Blues heavy favourites, tonight’s clash against a newly promoted team feels like a must-win for Pochettino, with the optics of losing hardly worth considering.
The Hatters name former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley in their starting lineup in west London as they hunt for their first win at this level. Give all that’s gone on at Stamford Bridge, they will have little reason to fear. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog! Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from the ground!
Live updates
Chelsea vs Luton: Hatters game plan obvious
31 mins: Another goal would surely give Luton too much of a mountain to climb after the break. Though not exactly under the cosh a the moment, they’re stepping up their physicality to ensure Chelsea don’t get a second.
Chelsea vs Luton: Great defending from Colwill
25 mins: Gallagher sells Disasi short with a hospital pass of a ball in midfield, allowing Luton to pounce and play Morris in behind the backline.
Colwill closes the angle to block any cross into the box. Great defending but a warning sign.
Chelsea vs Luton: Tough night for the Hatters now
21 mins: Chelsea have so many players comfortable on the ball, it’s going to be so hard for the Hatters to get a grip on the game.
Still, if the Blues cannot find another goal, the nerves may soon set in…
Chelsea vs Luton: GOAL! Raheem Sterling ‘15
15 mins: GOAL! Raheem Sterling ‘15
Sterling goes full Maradona with a jinky run inside the box after Chelsea build-up to overload Luton on the right side. Dancing feet from the England man as he cuts inside from the right and rolls a lovely finish past the ‘keeper.
Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge
Levi Colwill adds a new dimension to Chelsea’s attacks. His ability to produce a long-ball out of the back can get Chelsea up the field very quickly, his last one almost led to an Enzo Fernandez opening goal.
Chelsea vs Luton: Fernandez goes close!
13 mins: Great team move from Chelsea but missing the finish.
Colwill plays in Jackson with a chipped pass and the striker finds Chilwell in the box. The skipper lays it back for Enzo Fernandez, though he cannot keep his shot down.
Slick stuff.
Chelsea vs Luton: Good from Gallagher
09 mins: Intricate stuff from Gallagher. The England international picks up the ball on the edge of the box, feints to shoot and plays in Sterling with a through ball.
Locyker, however, is out to smother it.
Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge
Curious moment as Moises Caicedo trips over the ball and gives a shot away to Tahith Chong.
Chelsea vs Luton: Caicedo falls over…
07 mins: That, was weird.
Caicedo on the ball and he quite literally falls over, allowing Chong into the box. The former Man United youngster drives inside but overhits a cross to the back post.
Chelsea vs Luton: CHANCE FOR THE BLUES!
05 mins: Silva flicks on Fernandez’s free-kick up around the right corner flag after a handball and Sterling meets it with a fierce volley but Kaminski stands strong to collect it.
