Predicted Chelsea XI to face Luton: Caicedo & Lavia decisions made as Pochettino confirms Mudryk’s absence

Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping his team can produce their first Premier League win of the season against Luton Town on Friday night at Stamford Bridge.

It’s been a winless start for Chelsea to the 2023/24 league season. Following the draw to Liverpool, they suffered a 3-1 defeat to 10-man West Ham last Sunday to ensure they remained searching for their first victory of the campaign.

Pochettino isn’t showing any signs of concern and insists it will eventually turn into wins for Chelsea. Pre-match, the 51-year-old said: “We will win, we will succeed in the way the players are buying the philosophy, it is only a matter of time.

“It is a process we can not force to go quick, it is all about the work and the confidence.”

As they welcome Luton Town to the capital on Friday, Pochettino will have to do it without eight players. Carney Chukwuemeka was forced off against West Ham and underwent surgery this week, which will keep him sidelined for around six weeks.

Mykhailo Mudryk was absent in training this week in the build up to the league clash and Pochettino confirmed it was only a minor issue for his side.

“I think it is not an issue that will take months, maybe weeks,” Pochettino said on Chukwuemeka. “I hope we can be as soon as possible with the team again.”

On Mudryk, the Chelsea boss added: “I think maybe a few days. He is not going to be available for tomorrow. Very disappointed because of the situation, he played 45 minutes against West Ham.

“He is a player we hope to help play in the way believe he can perform. Disappointed but at the same time it is not a big issue. Maybe one week or a few days.”

Moises Caicedo was disappointing on his debut against West Ham after coming on off the bench during the second half. He is in line to make his full debut against Luton, however fellow midfield arrival Romeo Lavia isn’t quite ready yet.

“Moi yes is ready to start,” Pochettino confirmed. “Lavia no. He needs a few weeks to be ready to be involved with the team. He is working to try and catch his teammates. For Romeo we need to wait a few weeks but Moises is ready.”

Raheem Sterling will be hoping to keep his place in the side after impressing against West Ham, with Nicolas Jackson leading the line for the Blues and hoping to net his first Premier League goal.

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Luton: Sanchez, Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell, Caicedo, Enzo, Gallagher, Sterling, Madueke, Jackson