CHE VS AVL: Match Preview, Kick-Off Time, Team News, And Possible Starting Lineup
Still on track for a domestic double, the Blue contingent of North London seeks for a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup when they lock horns with Aston Villa on Thursday at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea booked their spot in the EFL Cup final after beating Middlesbrough 6-1 on Tuesday night.
Match Preview
After several unfruitful trials to lead Tottenham Hotspur to a domestic triumph during his five-year spell at the club, Mauricio Pochettino is now 90 minutes shy from doing so with his new side Chelsea.
A 1-0 deficit proved insignificant, as Cole Palmer’s brace, Jonathan Howson’s own goal, Axel Disasi’s strike, Enzo Fernandez’s effort, and a closing attempt from Noni Madueke propelled Chelsea to Wembley, where they will play the winner of the FA Cup semi-final tie between Liverpool and Fulham.
While Chelsea have made it through all the fifth round of the FA Cup in the last nine years, they face another challenge on Thursday, as Aston-Villa travels to face them at home turf.
Kick Off Time
The match is scheduled to kick off by 6:45 pm West African Standard Time on Friday 26 January, 2024.
Team News
The Blues do not have any injury concerns after the clash against Middlesbrough.
However, none of Christopher Nkunku (hip), Lesley Ugochukwu (hamstring), Marc Cucurella (ankle), Robert Sanchez (knee), Wesley Fofana (ACL), Romeo Lavia (thigh), or Reece James (thigh) will exit the Blues treatment room for this game, while Nicolas Jackson is still on international commitment for Senegal.
Chelsea may have Malo Gusto in the squad, and while Pochettino would ideally like to send out the same side that took to the field on Tuesday from the first whistle, Madueke, and Conor Gallagher’s fresh legs should be utilized.
Chelsea’s possible starting lineup:
Petrovic; Disasi, Badiashile, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Gallagher, Palmer; Broja
Aston Villa’s possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Moreno; Bailey, Luiz, Kamara, McGinn; Watkins, Duran
