Chelsea welcomes League Two side Morecambe to Stamford Bridge for an FA Cup third-round clash, aiming to bounce back after a winless four-game streak in the Premier League. With rotation expected and key players like Reece James and Romeo Lavia returning from injury, this encounter promises intrigue for Blues fans eager to see how Enzo Maresca balances his squad.
Team News: Who's In and Who's Out?
In: Reece James & Romeo Lavia
Maresca has confirmed that club captain Reece James and summer signing Romeo Lavia will both feature in the match after extended spells on the sidelines. James, sidelined since November due to a hamstring injury, and Lavia, who last played in early December, will gain valuable minutes in this lower-pressure encounter.
Out: Aaron Anselmino & Ben Chilwell
Aaron Anselmino, recently recalled from Boca Juniors, will not feature as he adapts to English football. Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell is unlikely to play, with a potential transfer move looming.
Cesare Casadei, linked with clubs in Italy, is also expected to sit out.
Chelsea’s Motivation & Rotation Strategy
With a critical Premier League fixture against Bournemouth looming, Maresca is expected to shuffle his lineup significantly. Fans might see academy stars and fringe players seize the spotlight while key squad members rest.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea:
Slonina; Gusto, James, Colwill, Maatsen; Lavia, Gallagher, Ugochukwu; Madueke, Palmer, Jackson.
Morecambe:
Ripley; Love, Rawson, Bedeau, Gibson; Wildig, Weir, Cooney; Gnahoua, Stockton, Mellon.
Match Preview
Chelsea’s FA Cup history suggests they’ll be firm favorites, but Morecambe’s recent form in League Two could see them put up a spirited fight. For the Blues, this is a must-win to regain momentum and silence critics.
