Chelsea host League Two Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup.
Frank Lampard is under increasing pressure from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy after a miserable slump over the festive period, which saw the Blues’ suffer two defeats, against Arsenal and Man City, alongside a draw against Aston Villa. Those results have seen Chelsea slip down to ninth in the Premier League table, although they remain only seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool in what continues to be a tumultuous title race.
Lampard will be desperate to win his first piece of silverware as a manager, particularly after coming so close in this competition last season, when they were defeated by Arsenal in the final at Wembley. Nevertheless, Lampard is likely to heavily rotate his squad, with youngsters such as Billy Gilmour, Faustino Anjorin, Lewis Bate and Jude Soonsup-Bell all in line to feature.
READ MORE: Lampard to be given time as pressure mounts
Morecambe, meanwhile, have enjoyed a fine start to the season in England’s fourth tier, where they are five points adrift of leaders Carlisle with a game in hand. However, their last two games have been postponed after a Covid-19 outbreak at the club and it’s yet to be seen what players will be available for the match. Here is everything you need to know:
When is it and what time is kick-off?
The match will begin at 1.30pm on Sunday 10 January at Stamford Bridge.
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How can I watch it online and on TV?
The match will be broadcast live via BBC’s Red Button service. It will also be available to stream online on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
What is the team news?
N’golo Kante and Reece James have been ruled out with injury. Andreas Christensen is also unavailable with Lampard set to rotate his squad.
Brad Lyons has joined Morecambe on loan from Blackburn while Kelvin Mellor is back in first-team training after a 10-day period in isolation.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea: Kepa, Lawrence, Rudiger, Tomori, Emerson, Gilmour, Kovacic, Havertz, Anjorin, Hudson-Odoi, Abraham
Morecambe: Halstead, Cooney, Lavelle, Davis, Hendrie, Wildig, Songo’o, Slew, Phillips, Gomes, Stockton*
*Possible Covid-19 absentees yet to be confirmed
What are the odds?
Chelsea – 1/12
Draw – 8/1
Morecambe – 20/1
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