Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior faces the first major test of his tenure this Wednesday night as his side host Premier League leaders Arsenal in a highly-anticipated Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior's First Trophy Chance and Team News Headache
The clash represents Rosenior's first opportunity to secure silverware since taking charge at Chelsea. The Blues enter the final four of the competition following a straightforward 5-1 FA Cup third-round victory at Charlton Athletic last weekend. For that match, Rosenior made eight changes, resting several key players as a precaution.
The fitness of playmaker Cole Palmer provides the biggest team news story ahead of the London derby. Palmer, who only returned from injury in December, was one of three players rested at Charlton after picking up knocks. He will face a late fitness test alongside fellow stars Reece James and Malo Gusto.
"I’ll make a decision on Cole, Reece and Malo tomorrow or on Wednesday morning," Rosenior stated on Monday. "They’re being managed. It was a good time for them to rest... There’s no point taking risks when you feel you can win the game without them."
Suspensions and Returns Shape Midfield and Defence
The team selection will be influenced by both returns and fresh absences. Marc Cucurella is back available after serving a one-match ban for a red card received against Fulham. However, midfielder Moises Caicedo will miss the match through suspension after picking up his second Carabao Cup booking of the season in the previous round.
This will be the Ecuadorian's third suspension of the campaign already. His inclusion against Charlton was likely because he was known to be unavailable for the Arsenal tie. In goal, Robert Sanchez is expected to return between the posts.
Full Chelsea Predicted Lineup Against Arsenal
With a full-strength side expected for the cup semi-final, Rosenior could make a full 11 changes from the weekend. The defensive partnership could see Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana selected. Further forward, Pedro Neto may get the nod on the left wing after an impactful substitute appearance at Charlton, where he scored the fourth goal.
The central striking role appears to be a choice between Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, with the English forward possibly favoured for this crucial home leg.
Full predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap.
Arsenal, who have not won a major trophy since 2020, will view the Carabao Cup as a significant opportunity, setting the stage for a fiercely contested London derby with a place at Wembley on the line.
