Liam Rosenior’s second game in charge of Chelsea is a huge one and a match that he will be desperate to win.
On Wednesday night, Chelsea take on London rivals Arsenal in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
Everything went according to plan in Rosenior’s first game, with the Blues beating Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the FA Cup.
What does Liam Rosenior need to do to overturn Enzo Maresca’s Arsenal curse?👀
The Gunners are nine games unbeaten 😬
Enzo Maresca's record vs Arsenal
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Estevao Willian impressed at The Valley after coming off the bench, and Rosenior has been speaking about the 18-year-old ahead of Chelsea’s next London derby.
Estevao of Chelsea looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Charlton Athletic and Chelsea
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior plans to start Estevao Willian against Arsenal or Brentford
Journalist Bobby Vincent asked Rosenior if he would protect Estevao as Enzo Maresca did.
In response, the new Chelsea manager said: “Protect is one word and I agree with that but look after is probably a better term. I want him to have an outstanding career. I also want him to help us win now. There’s a fine balance between the two.
“So for me, I’m going to use him when I think it’s the right time for us as a team and he’s got a really, really good chance of starting the game. If not the game on Wednesday then against Brentford on Saturday.”
CHELSEA FANS: Settle the debate once and for all 🤜🤛
Kai Havertz is a Chelsea legend
Photo by Manu Fernandez – Pool/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It appears to be a certainty, then, that Chelsea supporters will get to see Estevao start in at least one of the club’s next two fixtures.
He has not been playing at the elite level for long, but Estevao already has superstar status. The winger is now recognised as one of Brazil’s best players and is making an impact in both the Premier League and Champions League.
This season, Estevao has scored against Liverpool and Barcelona and will now have Arsenal in his sights.
Estevao Willian of Chelsea and Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Estevao Willian should start in Arsenal clash
Estevao was only on the pitch at The Valley for 24 minutes, but he was still able to make such a huge impact against Charlton last weekend.
He won Chelsea their penalty, recorded four shots and completed two dribbles, as per Sofascore.
Simply put, the Brazil international is a really dangerous winger. His direct and fearless style is ideal for cup fixtures where you have to try and win the game. With that in mind, Rosenior should start him in the Arsenal tie.
If he decides not to, Pedro Neto is likely to start on the right against Mikel Arteta’s men. Jamie Gittens could also be another option after he was deployed there in the Charlton win.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox