Liam Rosenior is preparing his Chelsea side ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Leeds United as he aims to become only the second English manager to win his first five Premier League games.
Rosenior has made a majestic start to life as Chelsea boss, winning seven of nine games and only losing to Arsenal in both of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. In the Premier League, Chelsea have won four of four.
Only one English manager has won his first four Premier League matches, in Craig Shakespeare when he was appointed Leicester City boss. Indeed, Shakespeare went on to win his first five league matches.
Chelsea’s injury list is growing…
Palmer's fitness is also a question mark.
How concerned are you by the influx of injuries under Liam Rosenior?
Rosenior can match that with a win in West London tomorrow night, but the former Strasbourg and Hull gaffer has a few injury issues going into the clash under the Stamford Bridge lights in the next 24 hours.
Liam Rosenior says if Reece James will be able to start vs Leeds
Chelsea will be looking to exact revenge on Tuesday night. At Elland Road, one of Enzo Maresca’s final matches as Chelsea gaffer, the Blues were humbled by a physical Leeds who went on to win easily, 3-1.
Chelsea v West Ham United - Premier League
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Rosenior cannot allow that to happen if he wants his momentum to continue. Ahead of Wolves, as stated above, Chelsea might have been without eight players. Neto however, started against Wolves at Molineux.
On Monday, Rosenior confirmed that Reece James is fit, but he has picked up an illness: “Reece is fit. Small issue is that he’s feeling unwell, it’s the truth, no conspiracy, but hopefully he is okay for tomorrow.”
On Palmer, Rosenior said: “He’s available for tomorrow,” while the gaffer confirmed “warrior” Andrey Santos will be available despite a knock. Rosenior said Tosin and Romeo Lavia are also progressing well.
How Chelsea could line-up against Leeds on Tuesday night…
Rosenior has been all about rotating his Chelsea side since he came in but on Saturday, he only made two changes with Palmer and Neto coming in for Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap. More are likely tomorrow night.
Which player should Leeds fear the most after Cole Palmer?
Leeds manager Daniel Farke discussing Chelsea's squad
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Rosenior could change his centre-back pairing again, with Hato and Benoit Badiashile potential returnees. If James can play, he will and the same goes for Palmer, but there is every chance they are benched.
Liam Delap might be given another run out, especially because of his physicality while Estevao should be looking to get a go from the off. There will be changes, but it might not be as many as previously made.
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