Higuain to start? Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup

Chelsea take on Sheffield Wednesday in the fourth round of the FA Cup, with Maurizio Sarri expected to give some playing time to fringe stars.

The Blues won the Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Tottenham on Thursday to fix up a game against Manchester City for the first major silverware this season.

Sarri could field loan signing Gonzalo Higuain after the Argentine joined the Blues recently. Chelsea should start the tie as favourites, and playing at Stamford Bridge will provide us with a boost too.

The Blues then face Bournemouth in the Premier League in midweek.

Predicted Chelsea XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Willy Caballero (GK)

Kepa Arrizabalaga was the saviour in the shootout against Spurs, but Sarri should provide Caballero with the start on Sunday.

Davide Zappacosta (RB)

The Italian should get a run-out against the lower league side, and give Cesar Azpilicueta a break.

David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian has been a rock at the back for Chelsea this season. There is no reason to replace Luiz now, even if Andreas Christensen returns to fitness.

Antonio Rudiger (CB)

Gary Cahill seems to be completely out of the picture, and we should keep Rudiger in the starting XI.

Emerson Palmieri (LB)

The Italian did a great job in the win over Spurs and should keep his place in the team ahead of Marcos Alonso.

Ethan Ampadu of Chelsea

Ethan Ampadu (CM)

The youngster deserves some game time in the first-team, and this would be the ideal opportunity to test him against the Championship opposition.

Ross Barkley (CM)

The Englishman has been in and out of the team this season, but he is expected to start on Sunday.

N’Golo Kante (CM)

Kante scored a triple-nutmeg goal against Spurs and should keep his place in the starting XI.

William (RW)

The Brazilian hasn’t been in great form in recent weeks. However, he should get the nod against Wednesday.

Gonzalo Higuain (ST)

The Argentine arrived a bit late to feature against Spurs, but he is ready to make his Chelsea debut on Sunday.

Read more: Chelsea consider replacing star player with £45million-rated Serie A defender

Callum Hudson-Odoi (LW)

The youngster should get a chance to impress against Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see how he performs on Sunday.


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