Liam Rosenior makes his Premier League debut tonight as he looks to secure a third win in his fourth outing as Chelsea manager, with a win against David Luiz’s Pafos.
Chelsea currently sit in 14th place in the Champions League table, but a win could take the Blues into the top eight, which promises immediate progress into the last 16. The next 16 sides go into a play-off.
Chelsea will be desperate to avoid that, not just because it removes the danger of potentially losing in the play-off, but the Blues save themselves two more games in what was a manic schedule at the moment.
DISCUSS: Raheem Sterling shines in Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea side… 🧩
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Rosenior’s first game at Charlton was the first of six in 18 days and Pafos comes as a fourth in 11. It will come as no surprise that Rosenior has made changes to his side again, having done so in his first three.
Chelsea’s confirmed XI to face Pafos, six changes made
Against Charlton, Rosenior made eight changes from the side that lost at Fulham. Eight more changes came when Chelsea played host to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, and then five more against Brentford.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea looks on during the warm up
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Well, Rosenior has made another six changes. The gaffer has chosen to rest Cole Palmer, with Palmer’s groin playing up again. Tosin Adarabioyo is out with a hamstring problem now. Reece James is back in.
Jamie Gittens and Estevao are on the bench, but Malo Gusto starts after illness and an injury. Enzo Fernandez played through illness on Saturday and it seems the Argentine is ready to do the same.
Tonight, Rosenior has made another six changes. In come Filip Jorgensen, Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, and Liam Delap up front, the striker’s first start under Rosenior.
Are you happy with the Chelsea XI tonight?
Team to play Pafos tonight…
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The decisions Rosenior has made with side to face Pafos
Jorgensen comes in for his second start and only his eighth outing of the season, amid interest from Bayer Leverkusen. Rosenior is placing trust in him, perhaps in an attempt to convince him to stay.
In defence, Josh Acheampong has started all three games under Rosenior and gets a break. Gusto is good to go again and Fofana partners Benoit Badiashile with Tosin dropping out, having picked up an injury.
Pedro Neto and Garnacho remain in the side from the weekend while Delap gets a go. Joao Pedro comes out of the side. Fingers crossed, Chelsea get a third win in four under the guidance of the new manager.
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