Calum McFarlane could reshuffle the pack when Chelsea lock horns with Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Calum McFarlane should make three changes to the Chelsea starting lineup this weekend. The Blues will hope to return to winning ways when they face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon, having lost and failed to score in each of their last three games across all competitions.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, McFarlane previewed the heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium. The 40-year-old, who’s serving his second spell as interim Chelsea head coach, said: “Everyone’s excited.
“The whole group, the whole club. It’s a massive game, a great opportunity to get to an FA Cup final. It’s why you do the job you do. We’re all really excited and looking forward to the game.”
McFarlane added: “I have a really good relationship with the players. Our process will be the same as when I was an interim before. I’ll work the way I know how to work. Everyone’s on board, and we’re ready for Sunday.”
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Offering a glimpse into his game plan, the temporary Blues gaffer said: “We want to take control of the game. We want to play our game. We want to play the game that suits the players in our group the best. We want to be aggressive and attack the game.”
So, with that being said, football.london has selected the Chelsea starting lineup to face Leeds.
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Sanchez starts between the sticks
Up until the end of March this year, Robert Sanchez had established himself as a key player for Chelsea. Apart from a red card during the defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in September and the mistake during the defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in January, the 28-year-old goalkeeper was as safe as houses between the sticks.
There was room for improvement, but Sanchez made great progress under Enzo Maresca; at one stage in the season, he was in the running for the Premier League golden glove. Rather than backing the Spaniard during a difficult period, Rosenior essentially scapegoated him.
If the Blues stand any chance of qualifying for either of UEFA’s three club competitions, let alone winning the FA Cup, McFarlane needs to rebuild Sanchez’s confidence.
Chelsea wonderkid finally given a chance
Josh Acheampong should replace Malo Gusto at right-back on Sunday afternoon. The Cobham graduate has always impressed when called up; he also previously caught the eye when McFarlane started him against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier this year.
Acheampong more than deserves an opportunity to feature at Wembley Stadium. Of course, Chelsea need experience at the back on such a big occasion, but they don’t have any., so the interim boss needs to prioritise quality and profiles.
Fernandez let off the hook
Rightly or wrongly, Enzo Fernandez has been heavily scrutinised over the month or so for comments he made during the March international break. Towards the end of Rosenior’s spell in charge, the Chelsea midfielder was brushed to the side, but under McFarlane, he looks set to become a key player again.
Fernandez scored THE equaliser in the draw to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier this year, helping the interim head coach win his first point in the Premier League. If the Blues are to defeat Leeds, the Argentina international will have to be at his very best.
Two Chelsea stars return to action
Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro returned to training at Cobham ahead of this weekend’s clash in the capital. McFarlane will hope they both pass late fitness tests; otherwise, he could draft in Jesse Derry and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, who are both more deserving of minutes than the likes of Alejandro Garnacho.
McFarlane makes THREE changes
So, McFarlane should make three changes to the side that faced Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday night. Palmer and Pedro would be huge additions to the lineup, as would Acheampong, who was starved of opportunities under Rosenior.
football.london’s Chelsea starting lineup to face Leeds: Robert Sanchez; Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; Joao Pedro.
