The filling in the sandwich of Saturday’s three FA Cup fifth-round ties is a tasty clash between Championship side Wrexham and Premier League Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground.
Wrexham are in fine form after winning their last three games to climb to sixth in the second-tier standings. They have already eliminated one top-flight team in the competition after beating Nottingham Forest in a penalty shootout in the third round.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Wrexham
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Chalobah, Sarr, Hato; Lavia, Santos; Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Delap.
Visitors Chelsea have had some highs and lows in the early stages of their time under Liam Rosenior, but they are coming off a confidence-boosting 4-1 win at Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Chelsea team news vs Wrexham
Rosenior has confirmed that midfielder Romeo Lavia will be available for the fifth-round FA Cup tie against Wrexham.
Lavia has made brief substitute appearances against Arsenal and Aston Villa since returning from a quadriceps injury he sustained in November. He could return to the starting line-up in Wales.
“Romeo Lavia is doing very well and he’s ready to go. I’m delighted for him and he will definitely play a part,” said Rosenior in his pre-match press conference.
“He will play a big part for the rest of the season and his attributes will help us. He’s been itching to play but we’ve tried to build him up in the best possible way. I’m delighted to have Romeo back with us because he’s an outstanding player,” he added.
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However, the Chelsea boss will be without Estevao and Jamie Gittens due to injury.
Rosenior will have to choose between Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez in goal. Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo are candidates to be rested ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain.
Pedro Neto, who has scored four goals in the competition already this season, can return from suspension. But Levi Colwill (knee) and Dario Essugo are still unavailable.
Chelsea’s refusal to be Goliath
The FA Cup is famous for giant-killings, with Macclesfield Town beating Crystal Palace in the third round this season. But Chelsea are giants who refuse to be killed.
The Blues have won their last 24 FA Cup games against teams from lower divisions, including a 5-1 win at Charlton Athletic and a 4-0 victory over Hull City in their first two games in this season’s competition.
They have not been upset by a non top-flight side since an infamous 4-2 home defeat by Bradford City in the fourth round in January 2015.
The Blues have now won 63 of their last 65 FA Cup ties against teams from outside the Premier League.