New manager Liam Rosenior takes the helm as Chelsea hosts Charlton. Can the Blues deliver a statement win in their FA Cup opener?
The new year at Chelsea began with the premature departure of Enzo Maresca, presumably after falling out with the club's management. The Blues wasted no time in appointing a new manager, Liam Rosenior, within a week of Maresca's sacking.
The Blues have moved significantly closer to mid-table since their back-to-back brilliant performances against Barcelona and Arsenal at the end of November 2025, when Maresca's men were considered serious contenders for the Premier League title this season.
But it all went downhill since then, as Chelsea are winless in their last five games following their midweek defeat against Fulham, which saw them slip to eighth in the league table.
Tonight's FA Cup third-round tie against Charlton would be the first game in charge for Rosenior, as Blues fans would love to see a statement-making win from their club tonight.
Charlton are currently 19th in the Championship, having won only once in their last five fixtures. With the talent available at Rosenior's disposal, it should be a walk in the park on paper. However, away fixtures in a knockout tie should never be taken lightly, as past experience shows.
Chelsea vs Charlton preview and predicted lineups
Last edition's FA Cup was a bitter experience for the Blues as they crashed out in the fourth round against Brighton in February last year, although against Charlton, they have a pretty decent record, as we share a few titbits and bits regarding tonight's clash :
Chelsea vs Charlton head-to-head :
Chelsea : 3 wins
Charlton: 1 win
Draw: 1
Chelsea team news
The Chelsea manager would look to make a statement win in his first game in charge. The Blues are likely to start the game with their usual suspects, but 23-year-old goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen could get another start after his recent league game against Manchester City. On the other hand, Marc Cucurella is ruled out of the clash after being sent off against Fulham.
Chelsea predicted lineup:
FILIP JORGENSEN
JOSH ACHEAMPONG
WESLEY FOFANA
BENOIT BADIASHILE
JORREL HATO
MOISES CAICEDO
ANDREY SANTOS
ESTEVAO WILLIAN
JAMIE GITTENS
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO
LIAM DELAP.
Charlton predicted lineup :
Kaminski, Burke, Jones, Bell; Bree, Carey, Coventry, Rankin-Costello, Campbell; Leaburn, Kelman.
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