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Our predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's FA Cup quarter-final tie against Port Vale with head coach Liam Rosenior expected to make wholesale changes to his team
For all of the talk off the pitch in the last few days, it is now time for Chelsea to do some talking on the grass. This evening, they welcome League One strugglers Port Vale to Stamford Bridge in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
The competition is Chelsea's only chance to win some silverware this season and they are enormous favourites to be one of the four teams in the semi-finals at Wembley later this month. It has been 14 days since the Blues were humiliated at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in their last outing, and head coach Liam Rosenior is expected to make wholesale changes from his XI on that evening.
So, with that being said, football.london does its best at predicting the line-up we might see Rosenior field today.
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Robert Sanchez
Filip Jorgensen remains out with a groin issue, so Sanchez could start in goal this evening. There might be a temptation from Rosenior's perspective to rest Sanchez and give someone else a chance but this is still a crucial game for the Blues.
Josh Acheampong
While it is crucial, Rosenior will look to change a few things and give some a rest. Acheampong could be given a go at right-back with Reece James still out through injury and Malo Gusto representing France during the international break.
Wesley Fofana
Usually you would assume Fofana would sit out of a game like this but given he has not played any football over the past fortnight, and an eight-day gap until the Manchester City game, Rosenior might be tempted to start the Frenchman, whose form desperately needs to improve.
Benoit Badiashile
The 25-year-old defender has only made five starts under Rosenior so far and will be desperate for his sixth this evening. There is a chance it will be Tosin Adarabioyo instead, while Mamadou Sarr should be given a rest after he represented Senegal during the break.
Jorrel Hato
One would assume Marc Cucurella will sit out of this one, at least from the start. There could be a chance for Hato to continue his resurgence under Rosenior.
Romeo Lavia
The Belgian made a rare start against Everton a fortnight ago and will be hoping for another one today. Lavia stayed behind at Cobham during the break as he worked on returning to full fitness.
Dario Essugo
Essugo also stayed behind to work on his fitness. The Portuguese midfielder is yet to start a competitive game for the Blues but today, with Enzo Fernandez not involved, feels like the perfect chance.
Estevao Willian
Estevao returned to action at Everton last month and Chelsea supporters will be desperate to see the tricky Brazilian again this evening. The teenager was not called up by Carlo Ancelotti during the break so he has had the chance to work closely with Rosenior, the staff and his teammates at Cobham.
Andrey Santos
We've not seen too much of Santos in the No.10 role, but with Fernandez out, and Cole Palmer perhaps getting a rest, today could be the day.
Alejandro Garnacho
Jamie Gittens is in contention to be named in the squad after missing the last couple of months with a hamstring injury. That is a big boost for Rosenior but he might opt with Garnacho to ease Gittens back into the fold. Pedro Neto could get a rest.
Liam Delap
It seems a given that Delap will start as the No.9 for this one. The striker needs to take this opportunity - as it could be the last match he starts this season unless he can prove his worth. Joao Pedro might be an option from the bench, but Rosenior will not want to use the Brazil international.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato; Lavia, Essugo; Estevao, Santos, Garnacho; Delap
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