Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea are back in domestic cup action on Wednesday night as they take on historic rivals Leeds United in the FA Cup fifth round.
The midweek bout has taken on even greater significance for the Chelsea manager in the wake of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat. Having been a part of an enthralling stalemate in normal time, the Blues then failed to seize the initiative in the extended period against a young Liverpool team, eventually losing to a late Virgil van Dijk header.
It was their sixth domestic cup final defeat on the bounce.
Pochettino harbours hopes of returning to Wembley for another grand occasion at the end of the season, but Chelsea must first get past Championship high-flyers Leeds. Here’s how the hosts could line up for Wednesday’s game.
GK: Robert Sanchez – The Spaniard hasn’t featured since mid-December due to injury, with Djordje Petrovic usurping him in the depth chart. Perhaps Sanchez gets a run out in this one.
RB: Alfie Gilchrist – Gilchrist has made sporadic appearances for Chelsea this season, particularly in the cups. Pochettino could earn a few brownie points by including the academy graduate in Wednesday’s starting XI.
CB: Thiago Silva – A groin strain kept Silva out of Chelsea’s previous two outings, but it’s believed that he could return for Wednesday’s cup tie. The Blues need the Brazilian’s experience.
CB: Levi Colwill – Ben Chilwell’s return has seen Colwill return to a more familiar role. He’ll likely continue at the heart of Chelsea’s defence with Benoit Badiashile set to miss out.
LB: Ben Chilwell – Despite spending plenty of Sunday’s cup final in spats with scouse teenagers, Chilwell, who hasn’t quite caught light since returning from injury, is set to retain his place against Leeds.
CM: Moises Caicedo – The former Brighton midfielder may have had his struggles in possession on Sunday, but his work without the ball meant he was one of Chelsea’s standout performers.
CM: Conor Gallagher – Another Blue who impressed in the final, Gallagher was excellent up until the final action.
RM: Noni Madueke – Madueke’s cameo at Wembley did little to suggest a start is around the corner, but Cole Palmer could earn a breather having played 120 minutes at the weekend, opening up the door for the former PSV Eindhoven star.
AM: Cole Palmer – With Christopher Nkunku back on the sidelines, Pochettino doesn’t exactly have many…
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