Chelsea to host Luton Town at Stamford Bridge in Carabao Cup second round

Chelsea will welcome Luton Town to Stamford Bridge in the second round of the EFL Cup (Carabao Cup) 2026-27; the preview was published on 2026-08-25.

Chelsea began their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, taking the lead inside the first minute, and the club’s performances have been described as improved since the arrival of Morgan Rogers. The Blues’ pre-season form carried into the opening league game, but the team remain vulnerable at the back, an issue Xabi Alonso must address. Luton Town reached this round after a 3-0 win over Gillingham in the Carabao Cup first round, but the match at Stamford Bridge presents an unfamiliar challenge against top-division opposition away from home.

Cole Palmer, 24, delivered a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Fulham and was awarded Player of the Match; a post showing "Palmer gets off the mark! 🎯#CFC | #FULCHE pic.twitter.com/OrgkyP8fUH" accompanied coverage of his performance. Palmer was seen limping after the game, but Xabi Alonso said during the post-match interview that "there’s nothing to worry about."

Chelsea will be without Jordan Henderson, who is recovering from a wrist injury and will sit out, and Wesley Fofana remains suspended for the cup tie. Emanuel Emegha, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley and Mamadou Sarr are not yet confirmed for selection due to fitness issues, leaving Alonso to consider his options for the matchday squad.

For Luton Town, Nahki Wells is expected to play a key role in the final third; the 36-year-old forward has scored two goals in the last three matches and will be relied upon to trouble Chelsea’s defence. The preview states that all members of Luton’s squad are fit and ready for selection ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.

Projected lineups listed in the preview read: Sanchez (GK); Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, James, Lavia, Chavarria; Palmer, Neto; Welbeck Keeley (GK); Jones, Andersen, Johnston, Naismith; Walsh; Richards, Clark, Palmer, Lawrence; Wells

The preview assesses Chelsea as having a slight advantage owing to squad quality and home advantage, and suggests the Xabi Alonso-led side might come out on top to progress in the Carabao Cup. UK viewers can watch the game on Sky Sports, Sky Sports+ and ITV, and the FanCode app and website can be used to stream matches live.