Chelsea host Luton Town in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge tonight in what is already a must for Mauricio Pochettino. More questions will be asked if the Blues, even assuming they are still in transition, are unable to defeat the Hatters at home as the two clubs have vast differences in resources and experience at the highest level.
While there were promising elements in the games against Liverpool and West Ham, Pochettino was open about Chelsea being a club that demands immediate victory. Not beating Luton – with all due respect – would be a disaster.
Still, Rob Edwards and his team have little to lose on their west London trip. As a club that has consistently produced top performances, he will not be afraid of tonight’s game. Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog! Nizaar Kinsella will provide an expert analysis on site!
Latest Chelsea vs Luton news
live updates
Show latest updates 1692984115
Mauricio Pochettino vows to break Chelsea’s No 9 curse in search of new striker
Mauricio Pochettino will urge Chelsea’s next forward to wear the number 9 shirt after learning about the club’s curse.
New strikers including Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have opted not to take on the number considered cursed by many in and around Stamford Bridge.
Read the whole story here!
Chelsea FC via Getty Images1692983695
Mauricio Pochettino reveals new plan to unleash Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to push Enzo Fernandez into more attacking positions in a bid to boost the £107million man’s career at Stamford Bridge.
Argentinian world champion Fernandez has made a steady start in west London without really displaying the talents that have led Chelsea to invest so much in him at a time when the side in general have struggled.
Read the whole story here!
Chelsea FC via Getty Images1692982109
Mike Dean admits ignoring VAR call to protect referee in Chelsea-Tottenham tie
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has made a remarkable admission regarding a VAR call in last season’s heated London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Dean was the video assistant referee in the 2-2 tie that saw Spurs defender Cristian Romero avoid a likely red card when he pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to the ground by the hair.
Field umpire Anthony Taylor overlooked the incident and Spurs equalized seconds later through Harry Kane at the last second. Dean admitted he didn’t bring the incident to the attention of his co-worker because he didn’t want him to have “more heartache.”
Read the whole story here!
Getty Images1692981984
Roma are the front runner as Chelsea are reluctant to accept loan offers
Roma have emerged as prime candidates to sign Romelu Lukaku after Chelsea were forced to loan the striker out after there was little interest in a permanent sale. writes Nizaar Kinsella.
The 30-year-old faces a five-month ban in the first team until January unless he can secure a departure at Stamford Bridge. Roma are currently preparing a loan offer while AC Milan monitor the situation.
Lukaku could be set for a reunion with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who briefly mentored the striker during his second spell as Blues manager.
Read the whole story here!
AP1692981447
Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-season punishment brought good results along with Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling looks back to his best in attack but Mauricio Pochettino is yet to find a killer in front of goal.
If Chelsea look to get the season underway against Luton at Stamford Bridge tonight, Sterling will look to him again to be the go-getter.
The 28-year-old was in stunning form in last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham, winning a penalty missed by Enzo Fernandez and creating several chances.
It was arguably his best performance in a Chelsea shirt since his £50m move from Manchester City in 2022.
Read the whole story here!
Getty Images1692981234
Prognosis: Chelsea get their first win under Mauricio Pochettino
The Blues are far from perfect but certainly have enough to beat Luton, spirited and organized as they are.
If it doesn’t, serious trouble is afoot.
Chelsea win 3-1.
REUTERS1692981198
News from the Luton team: Tim Krul could make his debut
Jordan Clark and Dan Potts are both unavailable for Luton due to ankle injuries sustained in pre-season. Gabe Osho and Reece Burke are also out. Tim Krul could make his debut but Luke Freeman has since left the club.
PA1692981155
Chelsea team news: Moises Caicedo could make his first start
Moises Caicedo could make his first start for the Blues.
Chelsea compiled a nine-man injury list ahead of the game, with Mykhailo Mudryk being the last to miss out.
Carney Chukwuemeka will miss the next six weeks of action after suffering a knee injury in the West Ham defeat and will sit on the treatment table alongside the likes of Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja.
Action pictures via Reuters1692981098
Where to watch Chelsea vs Luton
TV channel: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Reporting begins at 7 p.m.
Live broadcast: Subscribers can watch a live stream via the Sky Go app.
live blog: Follow all the action with standard sportis the special match blog. Nizaar Kinsella will provide an expert analysis on site.
ES Composite1692972365
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Luton Town.
Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 20:00 BST.
Getty Images
Source : www.standard.co.uk