Gilchrist and Mudryk start as four changes made – Chelsea team Pochettino should pick vs Preston
Chelsea face Championship opposition in Preston North End on Saturday evening as the Blues look to kick off their FA Cup campaign in style at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino's side will be hoping to start 2024 in the perfect manner after what was a really disappointing year in 2023.
It is a rare opportunity for Pochettino to perhaps rest some key players as Chelsea take on Middlesbrough on Tuesday night as they look to progress into the Carabao Cup final. The Argentine coach may look at rotating the team heavily at Stamford Bridge in order to get his best possible side out at the Riverside next week.
So, with that being said, football.london's Chelsea writers Bobby Vincent and Scott Trotter discuss what team they would field on Saturday evening. Let us know whether you agree with either writer in the comments section below.
Djordje Petrovic continues in goal for the Blues with the Serbian impressing since deputising for Robert Sanchez, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. Petrovic will be hoping to continue such form so when Sanchez is fit and available, the Spaniard finds it difficult to come straight back into the team.
Malo Gusto could be used at right-back once again with Chelsea not having too many options in that position. Reece James remains on the sidelines for some time yet and Gusto has impressed thus far in the captain's absence.
Axel Disasi could remain in the centre of defence with Thiago Silva on the bench ahead of next week's Carabao Cup showdown. There could be a rare chance for Levi Colwill to shine in the centre-back position. The England international has been deployed as a left-back for the majority of the season under Pochettino, but using Ian Maatsen on that side would allow Colwill to move
Read on football.london
