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Chelsea have a point to prove when they lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon
Liam Rosenior could raise a few eyebrows when Chelsea face Arsenal. The 41-year-old was scrutinised by many for his conservative approach in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, so the Blues could come out swinging at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
"You are always disappointed to lose out to one of your London rivals in a semi-final of a cup competition," said Rosenior, speaking to reporters at Cobham ahead of Sunday's clash. "I think there were availability issues. Not an excuse.
"In fact, in both games, the first leg I was here for two games. We have to look at it with the right context. There was a really good structure of ours without the ball.
"With the ball, maybe we could have been more front-footed. In terms of going out to win the game, there was a clear idea that the players carried out very well. We did not get the result that we wanted and we want that to change on Sunday."
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So, with that being said, football.london has predicted the Chelsea starting lineup to face Arsenal.
Rosenior forced to make one change to Chelsea backline
Rosenior will be forced to slightly tweak the Chelsea backline. The Blues boss must decide who shall replace Wesley Fofana, who was shown a red card in the disappointing draw to Burnley last weekend.
Mamadou Sarr, who Chelsea recalled from loan at Strasbourg in January, has been long overdue for a start in the Premier League, having only featured in the FA Cup this term. The 20-year-old defender would be the most suitable replacement, although he's never played more than a couple of minutes alongside Trevoh Chalobah.
The alternative would be Benoit Badiashile, but he's not been called upon since the end of January. Tosin Adarabioyo would be viewed as the so-called 'experienced option', but he's cost the Blues on more than one occasion this season.
The wildcard candidate would be Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old defender, who Chelsea signed from Ajax in the summer, has had an excellent start to the new year, although his appearances have come at left-back.
Rosenior names unchanged Chelsea midfield
Rosenior will likely name an unchanged midfield. Andrey Santos has really caught the eye this season, and he'll partner Moises Caicedo in a pivot, with Enzo Fernandez playing a little further up the field.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, the Chelsea boss provided a positive injury update on Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo. The clash against Arsenal almost certainly comes too soon, but if the duo can stay fit, they could play a key role for the Blues during the end-of-season run-in.
Garnacho misses out on Chelsea start – again
Rosenior was heavily scrutinised by some for his conservative approach in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, so Chelsea could very well come out swinging at the Emirates Stadium. The Blues boss will probably start a front-three of: Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, and Pedro Neto.
Of course, that means Alejandro Garnacho would find himself on the bench again. The 21-year-old winger, who Chelsea signed from Manchester United in the summer, has chipped in with a few goals this season, but he's generally struggled to impress.
Predicted Chelsea starting lineup to face Arsenal: Robert Sanchez; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Mamadou Sarr, Malo Gusto; Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santo; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro.
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