Chelsea starting lineup vs Leeds ‘decided’ as Enzo Fernandez set for new role as duo return
Chelsea look set to welcome some big names back to the matchday squad when they face Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon.
Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo(Image: Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Calum McFarlane could raise a few eyebrows with his team selection this weekend. The 40-year-old, who was appointed as interim head coach on Wednesday night, has been tasked with leading Chelsea back to winning ways, starting with a clash against Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final.
Speaking to reporters at Cobham on Friday afternoon, McFarlane downplayed the occasion, reducing the trip to Wembley to ‘just a game of football’. The former under-21s boss, who briefly took charge of the Blues at the start of the year when Enzo Maresca stepped down, said: “Leeds vs Chelsea is always a big game.
“There’s a rivalry there for various reasons. I haven’t spoke to anyone about what it’s like to lead a team out in Wembley. For me, it’s just a game of football. It’s 11 v 11 and you try and make it.
“Just like last time, you try and make it as normal as possible and stick to your day-to-day processes to hopefully get the best performance and result.”
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Chelsea have lost and failed to score in each of their last three games across all competitions, so McFarlane wants his side to play on the front foot. Offering a glimpse into the Blues’ approach, he said: “We want to take control of the game.
“We want to play our game. We want to play the game that suits the players in our group the best. We want to be aggressive and attack the game.”
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So, with that being said, journalists at football.london have selected the Chelsea starting lineup to face Leeds.
Bobby Vincent
It’s difficult to decide after that shambles of a performance down in Brighton. Even though he had some nervy moments, particularly with the ball at his feet, Robert Sanchez ensured the score line wasn’t seven or eight on Tuesday with some decent saves.
I personally would choose Malo Gusto at right-back again for this crucial match. I didn’t think he was awful on Tuesday, especially compared to his teammates. I would, however, drop Wesley Fofana from the side and have Trevoh Chalobah alongside Jorrel Hato. Marc Cucurella on the left-hand side but he needs to improve drastically.
Then I would choose Andrey Santos alongside Moises Caicedo. Romeo Lavia has looked off it for the last few games and I’m struggling to see what he adds to the Chelsea midfield at the moment.
If Cole Palmer is fit enough, then he goes on the right wing, with Enzo Fernandez in the No.10 and I would then choose Pedro Neto on the left-hand side. Like Palmer, if Joao Pedro is fit, then he has to start to give Chelsea the best chance at securing a spot in the FA Cup final.
Bobby’s starting lineup: Robert Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; John Pedro
Jake Stokes
Calum McFarlane could raise a few eyebrows with his team selection this weekend. When the 40-year-old was first appointed interim head coach earlier this year, he wasn’t afraid to give Josh Acheampong a long-overdue, and much-deserved, start against Manchester City.
Hopefully, McFarlane remains just as bold on Sunday afternoon… Robert Sanchez should start between the sticks; he quietly established himself as a key player for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, but his confidence was blown to pieces by Liam Rosenior.
At the back, the interim Blues boss should partner Jorrel Hato and Trevoh Chalobah at centre-half, with Marc Cucurella and Acheampong at full-back. McFarlane should pack out the middle of the park, starting Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the pivot, with Enzo Fernandez playing slightly further up the field.
Joao Pedro, who was pictured in training ahead of the clash against Leeds, should lead the frontline. Chelsea are hardly spoiled for options on the wing, so Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer should flank the Brazilian.
Alejandro Garnacho hasn’t covered himself in glory recently, so McFarlane would have every right to name at least one of Jesse Derry and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen on the bench.
Jake’s starting lineup: Robert Sanchez; Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia; Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto; John Pedro.
