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The Blues have an impressive FA Cup record in recent seasons, although they have only won the competition once since 2012/13. They have been runners-up on four occasions in that period, reaching three consecutive finals between 2019 and 2022.
Enzo Maresca will identify the FA Cup and Europa Conference League as strong opportunities to win his first piece of silverware in the capital, with the Italian likely to field a strong lineup against Premier League opponents Brighton.
Here is how Chelsea could look at the American Express Stadium.
GK: Filip Jorgensen – Maresca finally dropped the error-prone Robert Sanchez on Monday evening as Chelsea beat West Ham United and Jorgensen produced an accomplished display in his place.
RB: Malo Gusto – Reece James only managed an hour against West Ham and is still building up his fitness and confidence after a long injury layoff. The Englishman may start next Friday’s Premier League duel with Brighton, but Gusto should feature in the cup.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – Injuries to Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana have left Chelsea short in the centre-back department, but they still allowed Axel Disasi to leave on loan during the January window. Chalobah was recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace and should see regular minutes over the next few months.
CB: Levi Colwill – Colwill endured a difficult evening against West Ham and his error allowed Jarrod Bowen to fire the Irons ahead. He struggled to cope with his international teammate and will be tested this weekend by the tricky Joao Pedro.
LB: Marc Cucurella – The former Brighton left-back is unlikely to get the warmest reception from the home faithful, with Yankuba Minteh tasked with causing the Spaniard nightmares on his return to the Amex Stadium.
DM: Moises …
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