Mauricio Pochettino has faced the tough task of lifting his players up from the crushing defeat at Wembley last time out.
He oversaw his players lose 1-0 late in extra-time against Liverpool in the final of the EFL Cup on Sunday.
Pochettino stated after the game that his players were struggling badly with fatigue as the game approached its conclusion.
This did not go down well with everyone, both in the media and in the fanbase. Many have cited the need to play through that barrier in what is likely to be the club’s biggest game of the season.
The Argentine called on the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke to try and change the game from the bench, however none of them had the desired effect.
After 120 gruelling minutes for some of the Chelsea players, it is crucial that Pochettino rotates where possible for the FA Cup match against Leeds at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Malo Gusto is one of those players who played the entire game, and this came just weeks after he had made his recovery from a niggling injury.
Pochettino has to start Gilchrist
For that reason, making sure he is not overpushed is essential, and looking at the rest of the sqaud there is a clear option for who should take his place in the starting line-up tonight.
Alfie Gilchrist has been the shining light as far as new academy graduates are concerned for this season in West London, even though he has been featuring slightly out of position.
The 20-year-old is a natural centre-back, however has proved that he can do a more than substantial job on the right.
While he does not hold the attacking threat that the Frenchman he would be replacing does, he will certainly bring a defensive level of stability against a dangerous Leeds side.
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