Chelsea Unleashes Major Squad Shake-Up Against Hull in FA Cup Clash—Latest Injury Updates and Starting XI Predictions
Chelsea are looking to secure their place in the FA Cup fifth round on Friday evening as they face Championship side Hull City.
A homecoming awaits Liam Rosenior at the MKM Stadium, where he previously played and coached Hull, and he'll be seeking to inflict damage on his former club with the support of a talented roster of international stars.
Squad rotation is anticipated for Friday's fourth round encounter as fixtures pile up for Chelsea, though Rosenior possesses plenty of talent to select from for the trip up north.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
Marc Cucurella joined a lengthy injury roster during the midweek stalemate against Leeds United, picking up a hamstring problem that has sidelined him for the Hull fixture. Teammate Levi Colwill is also injured, while Reece James faces a late fitness assessment as he battles illness. Tosin Adarabioyo has returned to training but may still be unavailable.
Filip Jörgensen was set to start in goal but is currently sidelined with injury, leading to another appearance for Robert Sánchez. In the middle of the park, injury-plagued pair Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo will be absent—though Lavia has rejoined team training.
Jamie Gittens is still recovering from a hamstring problem and his fellow winger Mykhailo Mudryk remains banned following a failed drug test.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Hull (4-2-3-1)
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Hull (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—With Jörgensen unavailable and young Teddy Sharman-Lowe unlikely to be given his debut, Sánchez will guard the goal.
RB: Josh Acheampong—At fault for Leeds' Tuesday evening leveller, Acheampong might be moved to right-back to allow for team changes.
CB: Mamadou Sarr—Rosenior confirmed that Sarr has an "excellent opportunity" to feature on Friday in what would mark just his second Chelsea outing. He was a consistent performer under the Blues manager during his first-half season stint at Strasbourg.
CB: Benoît Badiashile—Badiashile's playing time has been restricted but with defensive injuries, plus potential rest for Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana, the French defender is expected to start.
LB: Jorrel Hato—Chelsea will pray that Cucurella's injury isn't severe as Hato has yet to fully establish himself as his replacement.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Essugo's definite absence and Lavia's likely omission limit Rosenior's midfield rotation choices, potentially forcing Caicedo into action.
DM: Andrey Santos—The Brazilian has been given regular opportunities since Rosenior's appointment—another player who collaborated with the Chelsea manager at Strasbourg.
RW: Pedro Neto—Neto was relegated to the substitutes' bench for the Leeds draw as Rosenior utilized his wing depth, but the Portuguese should return as he seeks his first goal since the third round victory over Charlton Athletic.
AM: Estêvão—In the long run, Estêvão has been viewed as an attacking midfielder rather than a winger and a chance to shine in this position could emerge at Hull given Chelsea's midfield limitations.
LW: Alejandro Garnacho—After making an encouraging start at Stamford Bridge, the unpredictable Garnacho has resurfaced in recent matches. He must capture Rosenior's attention in cup competition.
ST: Liam Delap—Delap netted eight times during his loan spell at Hull under Rosenior and will be eager to haunt his former team with goals on Friday. With João Pedro in excellent form, the English striker must shine during limited starting chances.
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Ewan Ross-Murray is a freelance soccer writer who focuses primarily on the Premier League. Ewan was born in Leicester, but his heart, and club allegiance, belongs to Liverpool.