After a shoal of second-string Chelsea players made short shrift of defeating boisterous Barrow on Tuesday night at the Bridge, a sterner test awaits the Blues this weekend when Brighton visit.
The 5-0 victory in the third round of the EFL Cup means Chelsea will travel to either Newcastle or Wimbledon, a contest delayed because flooding caused serious damage to the Wombles’ Plough Lane pitch.
What impressed nearly 39,000 fans in midweek was Chris Nkunku’s confident hat-trick, sending a clear ‘Pick me!’ message to gaffer Enzo Maresca.
It was also a rare chance for the likes of youth stars Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George to turn out for the seniors, while Ben Chilwell played the second half, and was given a great reception by supporters.
He could have been forgiven for forgetting how to put on a pair of boots, so little match time has he been granted by the new manager.
Saturday afternoon’s tie pits the Blues, sitting contentedly in fifth spot in the table, against the Seagulls, managed by Fabian Hurzeler. Joao Pedro is not in contention for a starting place for Brighton, but in-form Nico Jackson will start up front for the Blues, alongside Cole Palmer.
Chelsea did the double over Brighton last season, despite having a player sent off in both matches. Intriguingly, since the start of May no team has won more Premier League points than the Blues.
Referee Peter Bankes takes charge of the game at the Bridge.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
