Chelsea fans will be desperate to see their side get a result against Arsenal on Wednesday night and keep the tie alive ahead of the second leg, and the fanbase has just got a new member.
The last three meetings between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge have ended in draws and the Blues will be confident, coming into the game after a 5-1 win over Charlton and Liam Rosenior in charge.
But there are issues and concerns. Chelsea could be without trio Reece James, Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, who missed the trip to The Valley. Rosenior has made it clear he won’t be risking any of his stars.
One of those injured trio has popped up on an unlikely Instagram profile this week, in All Blacks rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams. The retired centre posted a picture alongside captain James, this week.
Reece James.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Sonny Bill Williams’ praise for Chelsea skipper Reece James
For those not of a rugby persuasion, 58-time New Zealand star Williams is one of the best personalities and players to have come out of the game in the last couple of decades. He’s since become a boxer.
Ahead of Wednesday, Williams posted a picture on Instagram with Chelsea star James and says he knows a “leader” when he sees one. He also joked that James’ presence means he will have to support Chelsea.
“When it comes to the sporting world, I know a leader when I meet one. Respect my brother, nice to meet you. Guess I’m a Chelsea fan now,” Williams said on Instagram. James replied: “Appreciate you brother”.
Is Reece James up there with Chelsea’s best-ever captains? 🫨
Sonny Bill Williams is a fan 👏
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How will Chelsea line-up against Arsenal on Wednesday night…
Filip Jorgensen has started all three Carabao Cup games and is likely to retain his spot in goal, having played against Charlton. At right-back, if Gusto and James are unfit, it will surely be Josh Acheampong.
Trevor Chalobah will come in alongside Tosin, but Rosenior has a selection headache at left-back. Jorrel Hato has been excellent in the last couple of games, while Marc Cucurella is back from suspension.
Moises Caicedo will definitely start, but Andrey Santos’ position in the side may hinge on Cole Palmer’s fitness and whether Enzo Fernandez plays in midfield, or as a 10. Pedro Neto will almost certainly start.
Up top, Rosenior has a big decision to make. Joe Hart thinks Marc Guiu is the perfect player for Rosenior, but the chances are that Rosenior will either start Liam Delap or Joao Pedro to lead the line tomorrow.
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