The FA Cup is a competition where Chelsea have traditionally been one of the strongest teams. Other than last year, they had made it past the third round every year since the turn of the millennium.
This year, their run starts with a home tie against Championship side Preston in the first week of January.
With the hectic festive fixtures that will still be firmly ongoing, Mauricio Pochettino could look to some of those who are yet to feature for him this season to get the job done.
Here’s three players who could make their first start for the club when the FA Cup rolls around.
Alex Matos
It has been widely claimed that the manager is a big fan of youngster Alex Matos. He even came out just recently saying how big a fan he is of the 19-year-old.
This has even seen him used briefly off the bench in the Premier League, with him used sporadically to get various jobs done at the end of games.
He has already been tipped by those who know his game well to be the next youngster to break through regularly into the first team.
With the FA Cup tie against lower league opposition, he could be handed the perfect chance to make his mark in early January.
Leo Castledine
18-year-old Leo Castledine has been included in a number of matchday squads this season, particularly when the EFL Cup fixtures have been taking place.
While he is yet to take to the field this season, this has not led to less optimism about his future. He has frequently been involved in first team training sessions.
There have been reports that the club have opened talks about him signing a new deal with the club, a showcase of just how much faith they have in his abilities.
The best time to give him a well-earned debut would be the FA Cup, where the pressure is likely to be far lower than if they were taking part in Premier League action.
Romeo Lavia
Not an academy product per say, however the teenager Romeo Lavia is yet to make his Chelsea debut as a result of an injury he suffered just weeks after joining the club.
There was plenty of excitement over his addition alongside Moises Caicedo, however the duo have been yet to feature together since their signings.
The former Southampton man is at least back in first team training, and pushing towards making an appearance off the bench in the coming weeks in the Premier League.
However, his first chance to start could be held back until the lower league opposition come to West London.
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