Liam Rosenior faces a number of selection headaches in defence going into the London derby against Arsenal, but I believe Josh Acheampong has to be named in the starting XI on Sunday.
Rosenior watched his Chelsea side collapse against Burnley after taking the lead in just four minutes, and a large source of them losing control was the red card for Wesley Fofana.
Discipline has been the Blues’ achilles heel this season, and the Frenchman will now not be available for their trip to face the league leaders.
Who starts in place of Wesley Fofana against Arsenal?🤔
Wesley Fofana's replacement after Chelsea red card
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong’s versatility in a back three means he has to start against Arsenal
The Chelsea Chronicle have already argued Rosenior should start a back five for the game, and this is a key reason behind why Acheampong should be in the side.
Having played as both a right-back and centre-back in his short time as a first team player, the youngster is the perfect option to feature as a wide centre-back.
Hull City v Chelsea - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Rosenior reportedly sees Acheampong as a centre-back, and there is no better time for the boss to show he has his backing then to start him in arguably the biggest game of the season.
Given the fact that elite sides are interested in the Cobham graduate, the club need to show that they have faith in him when the pressure is really on.
He has previously impressed in starts against Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League, as well as Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
How are we calling Arsenal bottlers? 🤦♂️
What does Liam Rosenior need to do to change this?
Chelsea's dropped points from winning positions at home this season
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
Josh Acheampong should be joined by Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile at the back
With Acheampong on the right of a three, experience is going to be needed alongside him against a side as good as Arsenal.
Trevoh Chalobah has greatly impressed Rosenior since the new manager took over, and he is a certainty to start at the back.
There would be a real temptation to throw in promising youngster Mamadou Sarr for his first league start, however having both him and Acheampong provides a real lack of experience.
With Levi Colwill still nowhere to be seen in the first team picture, I would add Benoit Badiashile to the backline in order to provide someone who has been there and done it.
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