The FA Cup 3rd Round will feature Chelsea taking on Chesterfield on 8th January at 11:00 PM IST. The fixture will take place at the Stamford Bridge and hence, will be an away game for the Spireites.
Chelsea are currently sitting 2nd in the Premier League, 10 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Even though the Blues have been struggling with injuries and covid-19, their form remains top tier as they are unbeaten in 9 games across all competitions. While youth players are expected to feature, Thomas Tuchel’s team will maintain their dominant approach.
Chelsea form (across all competitions): W W D D W
On the other hand, Chesterfield have not made it past the 3rd round since 2015. Nevertheless, they are currently leading in the National League and maintain a good form. However, the Spireites last defeated the London Giants in 1905, in their first ever head-to-head fixture.
Chesterfield form (across all competitions): D W W D W
Team News
Chelsea vs Chesterfield: The Blues’ team news and injury updates:
The Blues will be without goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who is with Senegal for the AFCON, while N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva were tested covid positive. The long list of injury absentees include Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Andreas Christensen, who are making recovery in the treatment room.
Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta remains doubtful with a cramp, who was unlikely to feature anyway. Therefore, Tuchel will be ready to offer youngsters Harvey Vale, Lewis Hall and Xavier Mbuyamba opportunities to impress.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup:
Bettinelli; Mbuyamba, Sarr, McClelland; Hudson-Odoi, Hall, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic; Vale; Soonsup-Bell, Werner
Chelsea vs Chesterfield: The Spireites’ team news and injury updates:
Chesterfield will be without youngster Jack Clarke, who is sidelined for long with a hamstring injury. While centre-back Gavin Gunning was withdrawn at the weekend due to fatigue, Luke Croll and Laurence Maguire remain doubtful. Defender Jeff King’s appearance will also be a late decision following his comeback from a knee injury.
Jamie Grimes is ready to deputize in Chesterfield’s injury-hit defence if required, as 18-goal striker Kabongo Tshimanga prepares to lead the line.
Chesterfield Predicted Lineup:
Loach; Williams, Gunning, Whittle; King, Oyeleke, Mandeville, Weston, Miller; Tshimanga, Kahn
Our score predictions: Chelsea 4-0 Chesterfield
Even though Chesterfield are the National League leaders, they are simply no match for the current Champions League holders. Tuchel will have several of his main players resting while the youngsters are expected to get the job done and take the Blues one step closer to the cup.
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