The Liam Rosenior era at Chelsea is underway, and the new manager will take charge of his first game in the FA Cup this weekend.
The Blues will take on Charlton Athletic in the third round of the competition, with the hope being that it is a comfortable fixture to introduce the new head coach into.
Rosenior was in the stands during the defeat to Fulham, where Marc Cucurella’s red card cost them a serious opportunity at competing for three points.
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This will see the Spaniard suspended for the FA Cup tie, although it was likely he was going to be rotated anyway due to the amount of games he has played in the last 12 months.
The Chelsea Chronicle have outlined the other changes we believe will be made as we predict Liam Rosenior’s first XI in charge.
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
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Chelsea predicted XI vs Charlton
Filip Jorgensen has been forced to wait patiently for his opportunities at Chelsea this season, but will be handed the chance to impress Rosenior early on his stint.
At right-back, Josh Acheampong will be given a start. There is a real opportunity for the youth at the club to impress a manager who specialises in working with these players.
Two changes at centre-back will see Wesley Fofana return after a fever, partnered by Benoit Badiashile.
At left-back, the suspended Cucurella is replaced by Jorrel Hato, who has impressed in consecutive appearances off the bench.
The fact that Moises Caicedo is suspended for the upcoming EFL Cup semi-final means he will also appear in the this FA Cup game.
Chelsea's Andrey Santos during the Premier League match between Fulham and Chelsea
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He will be joined by Andrey Santos, whose appearance from the start against Fulham didn’t even last half an hour due to Cucurella’s red card.
Jamie Gittens will start in the less familiar right-wing position. He was one of the attacking players who didn’t get the chance to impact the West London derby.
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There will also be an increasingly rare start for Estevao Willian, who is desperate for more of an opportunity to showcase his skills with a new manager at the helm.
The final wing position will be occupied by Alejandro Garnacho, giving Estevao the responsibility of creating from the number 10 role.
Up front, Joao Pedro will look to make his claim for a regular starting place again following the recent good form of Liam Delap.
Chelsea Predicted XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Gittens. Estevao, Garnacho; Pedro.
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