Chelsea return to action on Saturday afternoon as they welcome Morecambe to Stamford Bridge in the third round of this season’s FA Cup.
The Shrimps, who sit 23rd in the League Two table, come to Stamford Bridge looking to cause a major upset. Meanwhile, the Blues are looking to get back to winning ways following defeats against Fulham and Ipswich Town, as well as a draw versus Crystal Palace last time out.
Enzo Maresca, who has faced criticism from some quarters following recent results, is expected to make wholesale changes to his side for the visit of Morecambe. Filip Jorgensen is set to replace Robert Sanchez in goal with Maresca preferring to use the Dane in cup competitions, while the Spaniard usually gets the nod in the Premier League.
Reece James could start his first match since November with the club captain being unused in the last two matches despite being named in the 20-man squad on both occasions. Maresca does not want to rush James back, understandably, meaning he might start against Morecambe and then Malo Gusto will come back in when Bournemouth come to SW6 a few days later in the Premier League.
The centre-back partnership is an interesting one. Usually, you would assume a place in the side for Josh Acheampong but after his impressive display against Crystal Palace at the weekend, the 18-year-old defender may be in line for back-to-back Premier League starts with Bournemouth Tuesday’s opponents.
Axel Disasi could start alongside Tosin Adarabioyo. Given the strength of the opposition, that centre-back partnership should be more than enough to keep the visitors at bay on Saturday. Also, it will be intriguing to see what Maresca does with Aaron Anselmino, and whether or not he is included in the squad after being recalled from his loan spell at Boca Juniors.
Renato Veiga, meanwhile, could replace Marc Cucurella on the left-hand side of defence, with the Spaniard set to get some rest before the Bournemouth meeting. This game may also be a chance to ease Romeo Lavia back into action with the Belgian midfielder nearing his return from a hamstring injury that has kept him absent for around a month.
Alongside him, we could see Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has barely been given a chance in the Premier League this season but has been an ever-present figure in cup competitions for the Blues. Expect to see the likes of Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka handed some rare minutes on Saturday as well.
