Chelsea host Luton Town in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge tonight in what already feels like a must-win game for Mauricio Pochettino. More questions will be asked if the Blues, even accepting for the fact they remain in transition, cannot overcome the Hatters at home given the vast difference in resource and top-level experience between the two clubs.
While there have been promising elements during the games against both Liverpool and West Ham, Pochettino has been open about the fact Chelsea is a club that demands winning right away. Failing to beat Luton – with all due respect – would be a catastrophe.
Still, Rob Edwards and his team have little to lose on their trip to west London. A club who have consistently punched above their weight, they will not be fearing tonight’s game. Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog! Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from the ground!
Live updates
Mauricio Pochettino vows to break Chelsea’s No.9 curse in hunt for new forward
Mauricio Pochettino will urge Chelsea‘s next striker to take the No9 shirt after learning of the club’s curse.
New forwards including Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have opted against taking the number deemed cursed by many in and around Stamford Bridge.
Read the full story here!
Mauricio Pochettino reveals new plan to unleash Enzo Fernandez
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to push Enzo Fernandez into more attacking positions in a bid to kickstart the £107million man’s Stamford Bridge career.
Argentine World Cup winner Fernandez has made a steady start in west London without truly expressing the talents that persuaded Chelsea to invest so heavily in him, while the team in general has struggled massively.
Read the full story here!
Mike Dean admits ignoring VAR call to protect referee in Chelsea vs Tottenham draw
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has made a remarkable admission regarding a VAR call in last season’s fiery London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Dean was the Video Assistant Referee for the 2-2 draw, which saw Spurs defender Cristian Romero escape a likely red card, when he pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to the ground by his hair.
On-field referee Anthony Taylor missed the incident, and Spurs seconds later scored a last-gasp equaliser through Harry Kane, and Dean has admitted he did not alert his colleague to the incident because he wanted to spare him “more grief”.
Read the full story here!
Roma the frontrunners as Chelsea reluctantly welcome loan offers
Roma have emerged as frontrunners to sign Romelu Lukaku after Chelsea were forced to make the striker available on loan after minimal interest in a permanent sale, writes Nizaar Kinsella.
The 30-year-old faces a five-month first-team exile until January unless he can secure a Stamford Bridge exit route, and Roma are now preparing a loan offer as AC Milan monitor the situation.
Lukaku could be set for a reunion with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who briefly managed the striker during his second spell as Blues boss.
Read the full story here!
Mauricio Pochettino’s pre-season punishment producing the goods with Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is looking back to his best in attack, but Mauricio Pochettino still needs to find a killer in front of goal.
Chelsea will look to Sterling again as a creator when they bid to get their season up and running against Luton at Stamford Bridge tonight.
The 28-year-old was in devastating 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 £50million move from Manchester City in 2022.
Read the full story here!
Prediction: Chelsea to pick up first win under Mauricio Pochettino
The Blues are far from perfect but surely have enough to beat Luton, spirited and well-organised as they may be.
If they don’t, there are some serious issues afoot.
Chelsea to win 3-1.
Luton team news: Tim Krul could make debut
For Luton, Jordan Clark and Dan Potts aren’t available following ankle injuries picked up in pre-season. Gabe Osho and Reece Burke are also ruled out. Tim Krul could make his debut but Luke Freeman has now left the club.
Chelsea team news: Moises Caicedo could make his first start
Moises Caicedo could make his first start for the Blues.
Chelsea have racked up a nine-man injury list ahead of the game, with Mykhailo Mudryk the latest to be struck down.
Carney Chukwuemeka will miss the next six weeks of action after suffering a knee injury during the loss to West Ham, joining the likes of Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana and Armando Broja on the treatment table.
Where to watch Chelsea vs Luton
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage starts at 7pm.
Live stream: Subscribers will be able to watch on a live stream via the Sky Go app.
Live blog: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog. Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from the ground.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Luton Town.
Kick-off inside Stamford Bridge is at 8pm BST.
