Chelsea need Liam Delap to channel his inner Didier Drogba after domination of Arsenal in EFL Cup

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Liam Rosenior will be looking to his strikers as a key area where they could get the better of Arsenal in the upcoming EFL Cup semi-finals.

The Blues are two games away from a trip to Wembley, but face a number of injury issues leading into the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto and Reece James are all doubts after being left out of the squad completely to face Charlton in the FA Cup.

We are predicting Liam Delap will start up front for the Blues after his strong recent form. He recently found the net for the first time in the Premier League against Fulham.

Liam Delap looking to channel Didier Drogba vs Arsenal in EFL Cup

When it comes to Chelsea strikers performing well against Arsenal, the blueprint is there from legendary striker Didier Drogba, and one of the finest examples came in a meeting in the final of this very competition.

The Blues went behind early in the 2007 final, however Drogba, who was starting to make his name for being the man for the big moments, equalised 20 minutes into the game.

A feisty affair continued, and things really heated up on the hour mark when John Terry was knocked unconscious while courageously defending inside his own penalty area.

When extra-time was looming, Drogba stepped up again to complete the turnaround, keeping up the winning mentality and streak of winning trophies which Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea became associated with.

Liam Rosenior will be hoping to add that mentality to his current side, and will be looking at Delap to be the spearhead, starting from the semi-finals against the Gunners.

Delap ready to use past experience under Rosenior

Rosenior does not have too much experience coaching the current Chelsea squad before, but one of those who he has worked with before is Delap.

The manager praised Delap when both were at Hull City, who the Blues will face in the next round of the FA Cup.

Chelsea fans are always looking to compare their current players to club legends, however finding a free-scoring striker since Drogba’s departure has proved difficult.

Nevertheless, Gary Lineker has already predicted Delap will flourish at Stamford Bridge, potentially being the heir to the number nine throne in West London.