Liam Rosenior is actually only three games away from winning his first trophy as Chelsea manager, with the EFL Cup semi-finals awaiting the Blues.
Chelsea advanced past Lincoln, Wolves and Cardiff under Enzo Maresca to reach this stage, however it is Rosenior who is being tasked with the two-legged affair against Arsenal.
Injuries are going to play a part on both sides. As far as the Gunners are concerned, William Saliba is a major doubt to take part.
What does Liam Rosenior need to do to overturn Enzo Maresca’s Arsenal curse?👀
The Gunners are nine games unbeaten 😬
For Chelsea though, both Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto were not spotted training in the build-up to Wednesday’s game, making their participation unlikely.
Josh Acheampong in for biggest game for Chelsea vs Arsenal
With Reece James potentially needed in midfield to feature instead of the suspended Moises Caicedo, it feels likely that Josh Acheampong will be handed his third start in four games.
The 19-year-old had to wait patiently for opportunities under Maresca, but feels like one of the players who will benefit most from the new manager coming into Stamford Bridge.
Acheampong starred against Manchester City recently, however the first leg of a domestic cup semi-final would present his biggest challenge as a Chelsea first team player.
Blues fans have waited for the defender to be handed more opportunities, and now is the time for him to prove his worth on the big stage.
Change of position in the works for Acheampong
Centre-back was usually the position where Maresca used Acheampong, however it looks as if there is a new plan for him since the Italian’s departure.
Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?
Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌
Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs
- Levi Colwill
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Benoit Badiashile
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Josh Acheampong
His last two appearances, under Rosenior and interim manager Calum McFarlane, he has started at right-back in Gusto’s absence.
There is a clear preference for James to start in midfield, especially in big games, and his most recent performance against tonight’s opponents will likely help the new boss make that decision.
In the Premier League game that ended 1-1, the headlines were dominated by Caicedo vs Declan Rice, however both were outshone by James’ display in the middle of the park.
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