How Chelsea can rediscover their form in Carabao Clash

• Chelsea have had a dismal start to the 2023/24 season despite a huge spend in the summer market
• The Blues have won just twice in all competitions this season
• Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure to perform, and league cup clash against Brighton is perfect to bounce back

After a dismal start to the Premier League season, Chelsea needs a spark when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Having won only two of their seven games this season, the match against Brighton offers the perfect opportunity for a turnaround.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea side has struggled to find consistency in the early part of the season, and one of their rare wins came against League Two’s AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Clearly, the team’s performance has not been up to their standards, but the upcoming cup tie provides a chance to reset and refocus.

Since this is not a Premier League fixture but a third-round tie in a cup competition, Pochettino is expected to rotate his squad. This means giving playing time to fringe players who are eager to prove themselves. Additionally, due to the players likely to be included in the lineup, Chelsea may shift away from their recent defensive-oriented strategy.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is under pressure to perform and he needs a bounce back during the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton on Wednesday, September 27 2023. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

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With limited defensive options available in the coming weeks, Pochettino may have to deploy a natural left-back like Ben Chilwell or Ian Maatsen. This tactical shift will naturally place more emphasis on Chelsea’s attacking play.

In midfield, it is likely that Enzo Fernandez will be rested, paving the way for players such as Cole Palmer or Noni Madueke. While these alternatives may not possess the same passing ability as Fernandez, they are better suited to the attacking roles that Fernandez has recently occupied. This shift aligns with a more natural style of play, which is essential for a successful transition.

Further up the field, Chelsea could see players like Armando Broja or Deivid Washington get some minutes, especially with Nicolas Jackson suspended for the next Premier League game. This rotation in the attacking department promises to bring a fresh dynamic to Chelsea’s offense, which could be exactly what Pochettino needs to rejuvenate the team’s performance.

While the pressure on a Chelsea manager is ever-present, a potential early exit from the Carabao Cup with a weakened squad is not uncommon in football. Such occurrences happen to clubs across the country, and it is seen as an opportunity for Pochettino to experiment with new strategies without facing significant backlash.

In conclusion, Chelsea’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton & Hove Albion offers a valuable chance for the team to rediscover its winning form. With squad rotation and tactical adjustments, Pochettino aims to inject new life into the team’s performance. While the pressure remains, this cup tie provides an opportunity to explore new approaches and potentially kick-start Chelsea’s season on a positive note.