Predicted Chelsea starting lineup vs Blackburn as Reece James starts and Fernandez decision made
Mauricio Pochettino is looking to name his strongest Chelsea side in the Carabao Cup against Blackburn but already plans on making one change and there could be more at Stamford Bridge
The Carabao Cup is no stranger to seeing rotated sides. The first domestic cup competition of the season isn't always among the priorities of the country's top teams, but Mauricio Pochettino made it clear on Tuesday that he intends to use his best team against Blackburn Rovers.
The 51-year-old head coach confirmed on Tuesday that Blues captain Reece James would start against the Championship side, having made two substitute appearances as he returns from injury. So, Pochettino is set to make at least one change to his side for the visit of Jon Dahl Tomasson's men.
Chelsea's head coach has also added the caveat that he will not take any risks which means some players could be rested Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino said: "I told you before we started the season, I think a competition like the Carabao Cup or FA Cup is really important for us. Tomorrow we are going to try and play with our best team. Some players that maybe we need to rest because we need to do some rest because after Saturday's game, we cannot take some risk. In general we are going to try to put our our best team."
Mykhailo Mudryk remains out of contention for the fixture, with the Ukraine international possibly able to return in time for the Premier League match against Tottenham, but Enzo Fernandez is once again available having returned to training. The Blues have eight players set to miss the match.
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football.london takes a look at the team that could play Blackburn below.
Robert Sanchez
There's a strong argument that the cup match should offer Djordje Petrovic his first opportunity in the Chelsea net but with Pochettino determined to name a strong side, it would be no surprise if Sanchez retains his role, as he did earlier in the competition.
(Image: (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images))1 of 11Reece James
Pochettino has already said that James will start the game.
(Image: Marc Atkins)2 of 11Axel Disasi
Having returned to the starting lineup against Brentford, the Frenchman could move into the centre of the pitch, with Thiago Silva likely afforded a rest.
(Image: (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))3 of 11Benoit Badiashile
![Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea FC looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on May 13, 2023 in London, England.]()
There will be few better opportunities to offer the Frenchman minutes to build his fitness. It would be expected the central defender at least makes an appearance from the bench.
(Image: (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images))4 of 11Levi Colwill
![Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk with Levi Colwill]()
Should Badiashile start, the decision of whether to rest Colwill or move him back on to the left side of the pitch arises. The adjustment could lead to a hint of what to expect for the trip to Spurs.
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)5 of 11
