Chelsea should take gamble with Billy Gilmour start against Manchester United

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Chelsea host Manchester United on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup last-16 and all eyes will be on the team selection at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues of course would love to reach the quarter-finals of the domestic competition and there is the added incentive of trying to exact revenge on United, who won 4-0 in the previous meeting between the sides on the opening day of the league season.

But it’s an opportunity for manager Frank Lampard to make a few rotations to his side during an extremely busy fixture list and perhaps give some fringe players the chance to impress too.

There is enough quality within the squad to make a few changes to the XI and still put out a team capable of a cup victory, especially as the squad should be on cloud nine after seven consecutive wins across all competitions.

Chelsea will know that opponents United have the tools to hurt them, which is why it would be a risk bringing in the most inexperienced players.

Lampard should roll the dice though in midweek and take a gamble on rising star Billy Gilmour.

There are several academy graduates in the Blues first-team that are lighting up the Premier League and have become key players already under Lampard.

But the production line is showing no signs of slowing down and there is another to keep an eye out on.

Gilmour is a special talent that has been dazzling at youth level over the last year and should be knocking on the door for an opportunity in the cup.

The 18-year-old made his sole senior start in the third round of the competition earlier in the season, where he completed 90 minutes against League Two side Grimsby Town and seriously impressed.

He is a central midfielder that is extremely confident in possession and can slot into a deeper role, where he’s not afraid to get on the ball and has a great range of passing.

It would be a risk throwing the Scottish teenager in against experienced opponents, but he has so much potential and most importantly signs that he’s got the right temperament to play at the elite level.

Gilmour should be slotted in alongside some experience heads in the Chelsea midfield and it could turn out to be a masterstroke if he can perform against Premier League giants United.