Chelsea vs Preston LIVE commentary: Lilywhites face daunting task as Pochettino looks to launch FA Cup run – kick-off time, team news and how to follow
Chelsea will look to ignite their FA Cup campaign this weekend against Championship side Preston, live on talkSPORT 2.
The Blues last lifted this trophy in 2018 under Antonio Conte, but it represents a good chance for Mauricio Pochettino to get some silverware.
With Chelsea not really in the battle for a top-four place, this could be a great chance to go far in a competition, and they will fancy their chance against Preston.
The Lancashire-based side are currently 14th in the Championship, having scored just 31 goals.
When Chelsea decided to splash out on Cole Palmer this summer, there can't have been too many people who predicted he would perform this well.
But the England international is thriving in west London.
He has already directly contributed to 12 goals in the Premier League and looks to be Chelsea's most dangerous player.
Plus, Christopher Nkunku is now fit, so we should see even more from Palmer in the second half of the season.
Since Todd Boehly and co came in, the Blues have made some questionable signings, but you have to give them credit for getting Palmer.
He's creative, confident and knows how to score goals.
The hosts might finally be starting to see some of their injured players return.
Carney Chukwuemeka is back in first-team training and could feature here for the Blues, and he's been joined by Trevoh Chalobah.
However, there are still plenty of long-term absentees, with Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell and Reece James all out.
Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia are struggling with injuries, while Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez remain on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, the visitors are without defender Jack Whatmough.
But former Burnley winger Robbie Brady is fit, meaning Ryan Lowe has near-enough a full squad to choose
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