Breaking new: no “I’ll not start him” Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino name 3 player that’ll not be in the squad against Blackburn rovers in caraboa cup tomorrow.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Blackburn: Mauricio Pochettino makes four changes and gives £14m player his debut

Chelsea host Blackburn Rovers tomorrow night in the Carabao Cup with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

Mauricio Pochettino will know this domestic tournament has some real significance this season, especially with zero European football.

The Blues will welcome Blackburn to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, who currently sit mid-table in the Championship

Mauricio Pochettino needs a reaction
Chelsea go into the midweek fixture fresh off a really disappointing 2-0 home loss to Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League.

Hopefully, his side can provide a reaction on the pitch and get back to winning ways in the Carabao Cup.

The Chelsea Chronicle has predicted Pochettino may make four changes to the starting line-up that started the Brentford defeat.

GK and defence
The first of four changes could begin in-between the sticks, with Djordje Petrovic replacing Robert Sanchez as the starting goalkeeper.

Petrovic, who joined the Blues in the summer for £14million (Sky Sports), surely has the best chance yet to make his club debut. If not, we’re wondering why the 24-year-old was signed in the first place.

Next, we think Reece James could be recalled to the starting line-up after some late cameo performances recently from the bench. This could be the perfect chance to give him an hour of football to help his recovery from injury.

He comes into the side at the expense of 39-year-old Thiago Silva, who’s put on ice for the Premier League schedule.

James slots into the back four at right-back alongside Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.

Midfield

The third change could see Lesley Ugochukwu replace Moises Caicedo as the defensive midfielder.

He could make a midfield pivot next to ever-present Conor Gallagher.

Fans are patiently waiting to hear if Enzo Fernandez, who missed the Brentford loss, will be back and available for the Round of 16 tie in the Carabao Cup. We’re not bold enough to put him in the predicted line-up quite yet despite there being some optimism.

Attack
The fourth and final change may see Ian Maatsen replace Noni Madueke on the right wing.

That means Cole Palmer continues in the No 10 creative position. Speaking via talkSPORT (1:46pm, 28 October), Scott Minto compared Palmer to Tottenham’s James Maddison during his weekend display.

Raheem Sterling continues on the left wing as the senior figure that this team needs inspiration from.

Finally, Nicolas Jackson leads the line again as the striker.

Predicted Chelsea XI
Petrovic
James Disasi Colwill Cucurella
Ugochukwu Gallagher
Maatsen Palmer Sterling
Jackson