Chelsea XI vs Morecambe: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup game | OneFootball

All change as the Blues look to avoid major third round upset against fourth-tier strugglers at Stamford Bridge

Enzo Maresca is set to hand opportunities to a number of fringe players when Morecambe visit Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Blues do not return to European action until early March now, though, meaning Saturday’s third round tie will offer a rare opportunity for wholesale rotation.

Maresca confirmed on Friday that both Reece James and Romeo Lavia are fit to play after their respective hamstring injuries.

However, Ben Chilwell and Cesare Casadei will not be involved as they look likely to leave Chelsea this month.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is out injured, while Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile remain long-term absentees.

That set of circumstances could pave the way for academy graduate Samuel Rak-Sakyi to start in midfield.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; James, Acheampong, Disasi, Veiga; Lavia, Rak-Sakyi; Madueke, Nkunku, Felix; Guiu

Injured: Fofana, Badiashile, Dewsbury-Hall

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday January 11, 2025