Magic of the cup and all that. Possibly see some kids today, maybe Vale. Only task is not to be subject to a famous giant killing. There are no replays in the third round this year.
Wow much much stronger team than I expected. There’s really no need for this… we should be getting these guys some rest.
Don’t doubt the Spireites. I’d be surprised if it’s more than 3-0/4-0, and wouldn’t put money on a clean sheet. 13 Bettinelli 20 Hudson-Odoi 4 Christensen 31 Sarr 75 Hall 8 Kovacic 17 Saul 22 Ziyech 10 Pulisic 11 Werner 9 Lukaku Highest shirt number to ever get on the pitch for Chelsea? I can’t think of a higher one.
Finally, in case anyone missed it - TV coverage on the BBC but only via red button/iplayer/web, all of which are geolocked. You may have local services
Formation is a strange one. The BBC has us playing in a 4-2-2-2 13 Bettinelli 20 Hudson-Odoi 4 Christensen 31 Sarr 75 Hall 8 Kovacic 17 Saul 22 Ziyech 10 Pulisic 11 Werner 9 Lukaku Substitutes 1Arrizabalaga 5Jorginho 12Loftus-Cheek 18Barkley 29Havertz 32Baker 54Simons 68Vale 71Webster
The under 21s have a big game of their own midweek so I guess they are keeping their powder dry. Also players like Lukaku need some game time and hopefully a few confidence boosing goals
A very attacking line-up for Chels. Could work out great, could be a total disaster and therein lies the beauty of the FA Cup.
I don’t know enough about Hall to say whether he’d be suitable for the middle but perhaps Saul at LWB, Kova and Ziyech(!?) in the middle??
So Chesterfield were the first away team to win at the Bridge back in 1905. Also a totally fan owned club
I'm glad we treat this storied competition with respect. Nowhere near as key as league and europe but a big one for the fans. Nice payday as well for chesterfield. Shame for clubs like them no prospect of a money spinning replay this year.
RLC has been injured and then he had covid Injury and Covid kept RLC out of action over Christmas with his most recent game the 1-1 draw with Everton on 16 December. He resumed training Jan 3.