Chelsea make their FA Cup bow this weekend against League Two side Morecambe, looking for a much-needed win after a tricky Christmas and New Year period. The Blues, who were finalists last season are set to rotate and give some academy players a chance to impress in Sunday’s third-round tie.
Morecambe who currently lie 7th in League Two haven’t played since Boxing Day, due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club leading the training ground to be closed and players required to self-isolate. The visitors, who beat Grimsby 3-1 at home last time out, are in for a tough challenge on Sunday as Chelsea are looking for their first win in three games in all competitions.
This is the first-ever meeting between the sides and this season due to the number of fixtures and hectic schedule, the game will finish on the day and no replays will take place. It will go to extra time and then to penalties if required.
Team news
Earlier today Frank Lampard confirmed Reece James, Andreas Christensen and N’golo Kante will miss the game through injury. James, who has missed the last two matches will return to training tomorrow with a view to returning for next Friday’s game vs Fulham. Tino Anjorin, Lewis Bate, Henry Lawrence, Jude Soonsup-Bell and Tino Livramento have all been training with the first team Lampard confirmed. He (Lampard) also stated that all five players have been tested as they have moved over from the academy bubble but it remains to be seen whether any will play from the start on Sunday. (Chelsea FC)
Morecambe who only returned to training on Wednesday after the players completed their self-isolation period look to set include top scorer Carlos Mendes Gomes. The Spanish forward who used to be on Atletico Madrid’s books as a youngster, has netted seven times this season so far for the Shrimps.
Frank Lampard on Kepa’s future:
“He’s trained really well and his attitude around the place has been brilliant. He’s our player and I won’t be alluding to what might happen in January.”
Match facts
Chelsea are the most successful club in the FA cup since the turn of the century reaching nine finals and winning six of them.
Olivier Giroud is Chelsea’s top scorer this season netting nine times in all competitions.
This is the first time since the 02/03 season that Morecambe have reached the third round of the FA cup.
Manager Derek Adams was named League Two manager of the month after his side have won five out of their last six matches.
Form
Chelsea – LDLWL
Sunday 3rd January 2021 – Chelsea 1-3 Manchester City
Monday 28th December 2020 – Chelsea 1-1 Aston Villa
Saturday 26th December 2020 – Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea
Monday 21st December – Chelsea 3-0 West Ham
Tuesday 15th December – Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Morecambe – WWWWL
Saturday 26th December – Morecambe 3-1 Grimsby
Saturday 19th December – Colchester 1-2 Morecambe
Tuesday 15th December – Morecambe 2-1 Leyton Orient
Saturday 12th December – Morecambe 1-0 Harrogate Town
Saturday 5th December – Newport 2-1 Morecambe
What channel is it on?
Predicted line ups
Chelsea – 4-2-3-1; Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Tomori, Emerson, Jorginho, Gilmour, Hudson-Odoi, Havertz, Anjorin, Giroud.
Morecambe – 4-1-4-1; Turner, Mellor, Lavelle, Davis, Cooney, Songo’o, Gomes, Wildig, Phillips, Slew, Stockton.
Kick-off: Sunday 10th December – 13:30
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Referee: Darren England
Score Prediction
Chelsea 3-0 Morecambe