Liam Rosenior begins his coaching role with a challenging EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal. This match will be an important opportunity for him to assess his squad and tactics while facing one of the top teams in English football. We will provide the latest team updates and a predicted lineup for the first leg.
Chelsea Team News & Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
Recent Lineup for Chelsea
Rob Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have recently shared goalkeeping duties, with Sanchez getting a chance due to cup rotation and an injury. The defense has seen various players, including Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Wes Fofana, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, and Reece James.
James has also played as a midfielder alongside Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, and Moises Caicedo. Enzo can play as an attacking midfielder, with Cole Palmer positioned either there or on the wings. Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Estevao are in contention for the wing positions.
Liam Delap and Marc Guiu have been starting as strikers, with Joao Pedro also an option.
Chelsea’s Recent Performance & Strategy
Under the new coach, Chelsea has stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation that shifts to a 3-2-5 when in possession. The coach has reverted to a box structure instead of a diamond midfield, with two midfielders staying close together for better passing options. This setup allows Hato to invert, much like Cucurella, to create central opportunities. The intention is to maintain possession, with recent games showcasing quicker one-touch passing that broke down defenses.
Although they started the new managerial era with a win in the FA Cup, Chelsea’s overall form is concerning. They have only three victories across all competitions since December, with just one in the league. The team’s defensive capabilities have been inconsistent, but their attack has managed to score in crucial moments.
Chelsea Team Updates
Recent reports indicate several injuries, though not all details are current. Dario Essugo is listed as injured, but he was on the substitutes’ bench against Charlton, marking his return. James, Gusto, and Palmer will be assessed before the match for their fitness. Mykhailo Mudryk, Romeo Lavia, and Levi Colwill remain sidelined for the long term.
Notably, Caicedo is suspended and will miss this first leg. If James is unfit, Rosenior may have to make significant decisions regarding midfielders.
Chelsea’s Predicted Lineup
GK – Rob Sanchez
LB – Marc Cucurella
CB – Wes Fofana
CB – Trevoh Chalobah
RB – Malo Gusto
DM – Reece James
DM – Andrey Santos
AM – Enzo Fernandez
W – Pedro Neto
W – Alejandro Garnacho
ST – Liam Delap
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