The Carabao Cup second round concludes tonight as Chelsea host Luton at Stamford Bridge, with the winners set to face Leeds. The Blues meet League One opposition as they look to build some quick momentum under Xabi Alonso, whose reign began with a 3-2 west London derby win over Fulham on Monday. The attacking trio of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro were electric in that opener, though Chelsea were haunted by familiar problems in defence and in goal as they kicked off another new era.
Mike Penders gets the chance to stake his claim to replace Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s No1 amid a deal for Emiliano Martinez being agreed and five changes from Alonso, though there is no Enzo Fernandez in the squad at all as Manchester City prepare to make a late transfer bid. Luton make six changes from their draw with Notts County, with Kasey Palmer lining up against his former club.
The Hatters – a Premier League club in 2023/24 before suffering successive relegations – have made an encouraging start to the season under former Arsenal favourite Jack Wilshere and are eyeing a return to the Championship. Follow Chelsea vs Luton live below!
46 mins: Chelsea have one more chance to go in front before the break, with Rogers taking three Luton defenders out of the game with a lovely jinking run.
Chavarria eventually pulls back for Cole Palmer, who has plenty of space to pull the trigger as he’s denied by another flying block.
Chelsea’s best chance of the night so far as Estevao springs free in that right channel and delivers a cross for Rogers, whose first-time deflected effort comes back off the crossbar with Keeley beaten.
Just the one minute of added time has been signalled at Stamford Bridge.
43 mins: Cole Palmer unsubtly drags down Johnson and Luton have the opportunity to deliver a free-kick into the Chelsea box from the left-hand side.
Two Blues defenders then look to collide as Walsh’s delivery is headed straight at Penders by Odoffin.
40 mins: That Estevao chance has sparked Chelsea back into life here and suddenly Luton’s box is under siege once more as half-time looms.
It’s Acheampong’s turn to get free at the back post as he tries to head a corner delivery from the right back inside for Rogers, but it’s deflected off Kasey Palmer into the grateful arms of Keeley.
38 mins: It had all gone a bit flat for Chelsea since James’ curling free-kick that drew a strong save from Keeley.
But debutant Barco now picks a clever pass for Estevao, who drills agonisingly wide of the far post with Luton exposed.
35 mins: Luton earn a corner with 10 minutes to go until half-time.
The six-yard box is absolutely packed as a backpedaling Penders claws away under heavy pressure from Kodua.
