Chelsea Set to Unleash New Formation as Liam Rosenior Makes Highly-Anticipated FA Cup Debut
All attention will be focused squarely on Liam Rosenior this Saturday evening.
The recently-appointed Chelsea boss will reveal his inaugural starting eleven as he leads his new squad to face Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round—a markedly different scenario from his previous experience at Strasbourg.
Fixtures will arrive in rapid succession for Rosenior during his initial weeks in command. A Carabao Cup semifinal first leg versus Arsenal awaits on Wednesday evening, followed by an encounter with high-flying Brentford in his Premier League debut as manager. Indeed, Rosenior will manage seven fixtures throughout the rest of January.
Consequently, the 41-year-old will be keen to provide his key first-team players with rest opportunities where feasible, with Saturday's London derby against Championship opponents presenting a chance for him to evaluate some squad players.
Here's the significantly altered Chelsea XI Rosenior might deploy for his managerial bow.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup for Liam Rosenior Debut vs. Charlton
GK: Filip Jörgensen—Robert Sánchez is anticipated to remain as Chelsea's primary goalkeeper under Rosenior, though it may be Jörgensen who launches the new chapter between the posts. He's served as the club's cup keeper since his arrival.
RB: Josh Acheampong—Rosenior is recognized for his tactical adaptability and might employ the 3-4-2-1 system long-term, but he's expected to continue with Enzo Maresca's 4-2-3-1 initially. Acheampong could be his preferred right-back selection against Charlton.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—Adarabioyo has rarely impressed in Chelsea colors and probably only featured in Wednesday's 2–1 loss at his previous club Fulham due to Wesley Fofana's recent illness.
CB: Benoît Badiashile—Rosenior must wait considerably before seeing Levi Colwill return following his ACL injury, allowing Badiashile to establish himself as Trevoh Chalobah's defensive partner temporarily.
LB: Jorrel Hato—Rosenior has limited options but to field Hato at left-back given Marc Cucurella's suspension after his damaging red card at Craven Cottage. The Dutch player will aim to create a stronger impression on Rosenior than he managed with Maresca.
DM: Andrey Santos—Santos is well-acquainted with his new boss after spending last campaign on loan at Strasbourg. The Brazilian delivered 11 goals and four assists for Rosenior during their time together in France.
DM: Enzo Fernández—With Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo sidelined and Moisés Caicedo possibly rested before the Arsenal fixture, Fernández, who featured for just 65 minutes against Fulham, could join Santos.
AM: João Pedro—Uncertainty surrounds Pedro's optimal position and the Brazil international might receive an opportunity in the No.10 role on Saturday—rather than spearheading the attack.
RW: Estêvão—The Brazilian's future may lie in attacking midfield instead of right wing, but he's positioned to start wide under Rosenior. The youngster has frequently impressed in cup competitions this campaign.
ST: Marc Guiu—Liam Delap, who played under Rosenior at Hull, could become the new manager's first-choice No. 9, but Guiu might receive his chance against Charlton. His sole domestic goal this season came in the Carabao Cup for Sunderland during his extremely short loan spell.
LW: Jamie Gittens—Gittens significantly disappointed under Maresca and will be determined to demonstrate swift improvement under Rosenior. There's a feeling that time is already ticking for the summer signing given Chelsea's unforgiving transfer approach.
