How Chelsea could line up against Man City in Carabao Cup with two youngsters confirmed in squad but Jorginho out
CHELSEA are suffering their first dip under new manager Graham Potter after successive Premier League defeats.
The Blues were thrashed 4-1 by Brighton and then beaten 1-0 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
In between, they did manage a 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb, but Potter's side need to bounce back with a couple of wins before the World Cup break.
And the Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City at the Etihad gives them the opportunity to secure a big victory.
But they will almost certainly have to do so without midfielder Jorginho as the Italian is suffering with a foot problem.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Wesley Fofana, Reece James and N'Golo Kante also remain sidelined.
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But Potter has revealed that academy duo Omari Hutchinson and Lewis Hall will be in the squad.
And while it is unlikely they will start the game, expect Hutchinson - who joined the club from Arsenal in the summer - to feature off the bench as part of the front three.
And Hall - who has been at the club since he was eight - is expected to play a part at left-back or wingback.
Speaking about the pair, the Chelsea manager said: "He’s [Hutchinson] in the squad, Lewis Hall is in the squad.
"They've impressed. We've got some good quality young players. They'll be in the squad and involved."
With Kepa still out, Edouard Mendy is expected to start in goal.
And Potter will likely revert to a back three after poor performances with a four.
That is set to include Marc Cucurella, Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah, but Kalidou Koulibaly could also come back in.
Raheem Sterling may be asked to play wingback once more - specifically on the left following the injury to Ben Chilwell.
And Cesar Azpilicueta is set to occupy the right flank.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek should start in midfield, but it remains to be seen whether Mateo Kovacic will be rested or not.
If the Croatian is left out, Denis Zakaria could be given a place in the XI.
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Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher and Hakim Ziyech will all be vying for the places in behind the striker.
And Armando Broja is expected to lead the line in place of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - who had just eight touches against Arsenal at the weekend.