After overcoming Fulham in our season opener on Monday night, Alonso and his players' focus has turned to cup action in what is our first home game of the season.

Penders is handed a first outing for the Blues and is expected to be protected by a back four of Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria.

Reece James is set to continue in midfield and captain the side alongside another debutant in Argentina international Barco.

After scoring at Craven Cottage, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers remain in the attack and will be deployed alongside Estevao and Danny Welbeck, who makes his first appearance for the Blues since joining the club in the summer from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Chelsea: Penders: Gusto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarria; James (c), Barco; Estevao, Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck

Chelsea substitutes: Sanchez, Anselmino, Hato, Watson, Lavia, Gittens, Neto, Emegha, Joao Pedro