Liam Rosenior is set to manage in the Champions League for the first time on Wednesday night when Chelsea play host to David Luiz’s Cypriot side Pafos.
Chelsea need to get a win to bolster their chances of finishing in the top eight places of the Champions League on Wednesday night, but they are likely to win, given that the Londoners are at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior has already made 21 changes to his line-ups in just three games, and he will likely have to rotate again on Wednesday. Eight changes for Charlton, eight for Arsenal, and five before beating Brentford.
Cole Palmer is likely to be rested with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer concerned about the England star’s groin injury. But there is some good news, with Chelsea preparing for a fourth of six games in 18 days.
Who would you rather have as Chelsea manager right now?
Enzo Maresca or Liam Rosenior 🤜🤛
Liam Rosenior or Enzo Maresca
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Malo Gusto spotted in Chelsea training ahead of Pafos clash
Before Rosenior had taken over, he was in the stands to watch Chelsea lose to Fulham in which Malo Gusto started. But the £26m signing was substituted on 76 minutes and he has since been sidelined.
Initially injured and missing the Charlton game alongside Palmer and Reece James, Gusto was a victim of the virus going around Stamford Bridge. Saturday against Brentford came too soon for the right-back.
Malo Gusto during Chelsea vs Benfica
Photo by Steve Bardens – AMA/Getty Images
However, Chelsea have now posted a gallery of pictures from training on Monday, and Gusto is front and centre. A boost for Rosenior going into the Pafos game, which is must win for the new Chelsea boss.
Especially because Chelsea lack a direct right-back replacement at the moment, with James preferred in the middle of the park. Josh Acheampong has deputised in recent weeks against Arsenal and Charlton.
Rosenior likely to make more changes as Chelsea face Pafos
Come Wednesday night, Chelsea will play three games in the space of seven days. Facing the Cypriot side will be the easiest of the three and while they must win, it is a game Rosenior will surely rotate in.
Should Rosenior risk Gusto against Pafos? 👏
Acheampong has been solid…
Josh Acheampong celebrates with Chelsea teammates after scoring against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
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Because on Saturday, the Blues go to Selhurst Park to take on the circus that is Crystal Palace, certainly a good time to face The Eagles. Then, next week, Chelsea meet an old favourite, Antonio Conte and Napoli.
Therefore, Wednesday night will surely see Rosenior rest players who require a break. Filip Jorgensen could even start in goal. Jorrel Hato, Tosin, Andrey Santos, Liam Delap and other fringe stars could start.
Gusto may be given an hour on Wednesday night if Rosenior opts to start him, but he may prefer to bring the Frenchman off the bench and keep Acheampong, before starting Gusto at Palace on Saturday.
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