The FA Cup returns after three weeks’ break! Last time in the tournament Chelsea cruised into a resounding 4-1 victory over Peterborough United, and will now be hosting West London rivals Brentford – a slight step up from the previous opponent.
But just like three weeks back, manager Antonio Conte is making some squad rotating by giving more playing time for the players who’re set to spend the upcoming week on the bench, when Chelsea meet both Liverpool and Arsenal on Tuesday and Saturday respectively.
Conte has yet again placed Michy Batshuayi upfront with Ruben Loftus-Cheek alongside him. Cesc Fabregas plays in midfield with youngster Nathaniel Chalobah, who we’ll be strictly observing today.
Nathan Ake will also be making his first Chelsea appearance since returning from his loan spell with Bournemouth a bit under a month ago. Another loan returnee, Kenedy, is on the bench.
Asmir Begovic will be out of the squad today since he’s looking more and more likely to move away from the club before the end of the January transfer window, and Eduardo steps in to make his Chelsea debut.
Here are the full team line-ups…
CHELSEA:
Chelsea team today: Begovic; Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Pedro, Chalobah, Fabregas, Ake; Willian, Batshuayi, Loftus-Cheek. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 28, 2017
Chelsea substitutes v @BrentfordFC: Eduardo, Ivanovic, Moses, Matic, Kenedy, Hazard, Diego Costa. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 28, 2017
BRENTFORD:
TEAM NEWS: One change for The Bees as @BarbetYoann replaces @TomField9 pic.twitter.com/PxOiQSjssq
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 28, 2017
Subs:
Jack Bonham
Scott Hogan
Philipp Hofmann
Konstantin Kerschbaumer
Josh Clarke
Jota
Tom Field@EmiratesFACup— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 28, 2017
