The FA Cup pits Chelsea against Nottingham Forest for the second consecutive season. The teams met at Stamford Bridge at the same stage last season. The Blues ran out 2-0 winners thanks to an Alvaro Morata brace. Frank Lampard could take the opportunity to rest a few stars from this Sunday’s clash. However, the Chelsea legend will be aware how important a run in the FA Cup could be to the Blues campaign.
Predicted lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper and Defenders
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Willy Caballero will see this as a great opportunity for a rare start. The Argentine veteran has appeared only twice this season. Both games coming in the Carabao Cup. Reece James will likely start at Right-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back. However, Tariq Lamptey is also in contention for a first start of his career after his cameo performance at Arsenal last week. Andreas Christensen will be hoping to gain a rare start in the middle of a back-four. Fikayo Tomori is still looking unlikely to be available, so I expect Lampard to go with the experience of Antonio Rudiger to partner the Dane.
Midfielders
It will be interesting if the Blues boss considers Billy Gilmour as a possible starter. It would be a great opportunity for the young Scot to gain more first-team experience. I would play him in a three-man midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic, and Jorginho.
Front three
Christian Pulisic returned at Brighton having been out for a short term. It’s important he gets back to full fitness, and to do so the American needs games. I would play him on the left, with Callum Hudson-Odoi getting the nod to start on the right. Tammy Abraham is likely to be rested, with Michy Batshuayi getting an opportunity to show what he can do.
Blue is the colour
