Chelsea host Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon knowing this tournament is the last chance to win a trophy this season.
Both relatively recent winners of this competition, Mauricio Pochettino’s team can wrestle some joy out of a very tumultuous season with some FA Cup glory, but they need to get past the best side in the Championship, which is always easier said than done.
Enzo Maresca has his side playing an exciting brand of football and they will travel to Stamford Bridge feeling that they have every chance of securing a trip to Wembley. There is an important absentee in Chelsea’s midfield which will only boost the Foxes’ confidence.
Here is the Chelsea team that Pochettino may choose against Leicester.
GK: Robert Sanchez – Now that Sanchez is fit again, we could see an intriguing battle between him and Djordje Petrovic for the number one spot. The latter has been impressive in recent weeks and kept hold of his spot in the Premier League.
RB: Malo Gusto – The latest fan favourite for Chelsea, Gusto seems to have settled into a consistent role following injury to Reece James.
CB: Axel Disasi – He should have a point to prove on Sunday, along with Gusto, as the Chelsea pair were left out of France’s international squad for the March friendlies. He needs more consistent performances to force his way in before Euro 2024.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – He has enjoyed some game time recently but with Benoit Badiashile now back in training, Chalobah may only get one more chance to impress Pochettino. Expect the English defender to be on the move this summer.
LB: Marc Cucurella – Ben Chilwell’s return to fitness means there is extra pressure on Marc Cucurella but the Spaniard is expected to start this FA Cup clash.
CM: Moises Caicedo – He will have to adapt slightly on Sunday with Fernandez not alongside him, but Caicedo does seem to be benefitting from the long run of games that Pochettino has given him in the midfield.
CM: Conor Gallagher – Fernandez’s absence opens up a space in midfield and it is likely that, with a surplus of attacking midfielders, Gallagher will drop back. He is sure to be one of their best players on the pitch, regardless of where he is asked to play.
RW: Mykhailo Mudryk – The goal he scored against Newcastle was really impressive and issued a reminder of what he’s all about. It would be harsh not to let him try and build on that display here.
AM: Cole Palmer – This young team’s talisman, Palmer will want to win the FA Cup as the key player having been a bit-part figure for Manchester City in last season’s triumph.
LW: Raheem Sterling – Left out of another England squad and it is clear that Sterling is going to have to get a lot more productive at Chelsea if he is to work his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – His clever flick to open the scoring against Newcastle showed something that most didn’t know he had in his arsenal. The Senegal forward has scored in his last three games and may finally be finding consistent form.
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