Chelsea predicted XI vs Arsenal - Cole Palmer decision made as Liam Rosenior makes 10 changes

The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg showdown against Arsenal with Liam Rosenior taking charge of his first game at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea take on Arsenal this evening in the first-leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with the Blues looking to win their first piece of silverware under Liam Rosenior.

The 41-year-old was appointed as the club's new head coach on a long-term contract last week, replacing Enzo Maresca. In Maresca's debut season at Stamford Bridge, he managed to win two trophies and Rosenior will be hoping for something similar this time around.

The Gunners stand in Chelsea’s way of a place at Wembley. After getting his tenure in west London off to the perfect start at the weekend, with a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the third round of this season's FA Cup, Rosenior faces his first really difficult task tonight.

Arsenal are the best team in the country at the moment - and their league position reflects that - so Rosenior will have his work cut out against Mikel Arteta this evening. With that being said, football.london takes a look at the line-up the Chelsea head coach might go with tonight.

Robert Sanchez

Sanchez was rested for the weekend’s win over Charlton, with Filip Jorgensen deputising. However, the Spaniard could come back in for this one given it is the semi-final of the competition. We should start seeing something closer to Chelsea's first XI.

Malo Gusto

Gusto missed Saturday's win in Charlton with a slight knock he suffered at Craven Cottage. The Frenchman, though, is set to return to the squad for this evening’s cup tie at Stamford Bridge.

Wesley Fofana

Fofana was brought on towards the end of the win at the weekend. The Frenchman should theoretically be fresh and raring to go for his first start under Rosenior.

Marc Cucurella

Cucurella served his one-match suspension on Saturday but is eligible for tonight's match with Arsenal. Jorrel Hato was outstanding at left-back but given the nature of the game and the level of opposition, the Dutchman could drop out for the more trusted Cucurella.

Andrey Santos

Santos and Moises Caicedo showed signs of a promising midfield partnership on Saturday. Unfortunately Caicedo is suspended for tonight’s tie but Santos could well be given another chance in the centre of the pitch.

Enzo Fernandez

That means Fernandez could drop a bit deeper tonight. Reece James picked up a knock in last week’s win over Fulham, with Rosenior saying the captain will be assessed. Even if he is fit, given his torrid past with injuries, the newly-appointed Chelsea head coach could choose for James to sit out this evening.

Estevao Willian

Rosenior brought Estevao on towards the latter stages of Saturday's win in Charlton. The Brazil international was not on the pitch for too long but was able to produce the sort of magic we have been accustomed to seeing from the 18-year-old this season.

Cole Palmer

If Palmer is fit, then this is the sort of game where Chelsea need him. We all know Arsenal have got a solid defence and Palmer could be the key to unlocking that, albeit he has not been at his best when he has been fit this season.

Pedro Neto

Neto could move to the left-hand side. Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho both started on Saturday but could drop to the bench against the Gunners.

Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro or Liam Delap? The former could be picked, though it would not shock you if the latter had the head coach’s trust.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Santos; Estevao, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro