Predicted XI: Rosenior goes with strong side but leaves out Cole Palmer and Wesley Fofana | OneFootball

Chelsea’s hectic January continues today with a game against Charlton in the FA Cup.

This is a very hard game to predict the lineups for. Firstly, as a weekend cup game there’s bound to be serious rotation. But with a new manager in the dugout who will be keen to start with a win, it could be stronger than some expect.

Liam Rosenior picks first Chelsea team

Liam Rosenior in training with Moises Caicedo. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

Robert Sanchez will start in goal, that’s one thing we’re sure of.

At right back, Reece James won’t be risked because we will want him in both games next week. Malo Gusto limped off in midweek, so we could see Josh Acheampong used on the right.

Wesley Fofana is fit to play, but if playing him means he can’t feature in both games next week, it would be a bad idea. Trevoh Chalobah will surely continue his consistent run of games, perhaps alongside Tosin.

On the left, Marc Cucurella is suspended, so Jorrel Hato will get a chance to impress a new manager from the off.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo probably starts because he’s banned for the midweek game against Arsenal. Liam Rosenior knows Andrey Santos well from Strasbourg, and will surely play him. Who plays in the hole is more of a question – Cole Palmer needs a rest. Joao Pedro playing would mean Enzo Fernandez gets a break, but if Rosenior is going all out to win, he will surely use the Argentine.

Estevao is a cert to play on the right if he’s fit, with Alejandro Garnacho coming in on the left. We expect Liam Delap to lead the line.

In other news…

The new manager knows that the key for him is getting players to buy into what he wants from them – and he’s made it clear he knows this will be a challenge for him given his limited CV so far.

Rosenior’s enthusiastic coaching in the open session raised eyebrows as they appeared pretty performative. He also says he’s had some “very interesting” meetings with players since taking the job. We really don’t know which way this is going to go…