Chelsea must start youngster in next Premier League game vs Brighton after weakness was exposed in the FA Cup defeaat

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Chelsea do not have long to wait before they get the opportunity to achieve payback on the side who knocks them out of the FA Cup at the weekend.

On Friday night, the Blues are back at the Amex, and a win in the Premier League at this stage of the season is just as important as cup progression.

There were no standout displays from Enzo Maresca’s side, and this will almost certainly see him look to the players who didn’t start for changes.

One player who certainly didn’t cover himself in glory was Malo Gusto, starting in place of Reece James.

Enzo Maresca should start Josh Acheampong against Brighton in the Premier League

Maresca stated the captain should be fit for Friday, although he doesn’t actually have to be risked if the manager decides to start Josh Acheampong.

The season has seen the defender called up to the first team squad on a regular basis alongside promising winger Tyrique George.

Already Acheampong has shown he can slot in both at right-back and centre-back depending on the requirement on the day, whereas Gusto excels far more in a natural full-back position.

Despite being given more freedom to attack than normal in the cup on Saturday, the Frenchman was wasteful when he had the chance to put the ball into the box.

There is even a conversation to be had over whether Gusto could be sold, with it clear that he is struggling to adapt to the inverting task that Maresca is so keen on his full-backs being able to do.

Acheampong would take to this task far easier, and hIs presence would allow James more time to make sure his return from injury is going as expected.

Acheampong’s bright Chelsea future

A few months ago, it looked a very realistic prospect that Acheampong would be sold in January after he was excluded from first team duties until he signed a new contract.

Interest from the likes of Manchester United and even Real Madrid suggested that the Blues could regret losing him. However, he put pen to paper on a long-term deal.

He has started a few games since that, and does look a genuine option for Maresca in Premier League games.

The boss should prove this on Friday night, and after Gusto’s struggles up against Kaoru Mitoma it looks a very simple decision to make.