Mauricio Pochettino can hand three wonderkids debut vs Preston and save Chelsea £202m transfers

Chelsea have a rich FA Cup history. Only Manchester United (12) and Arsenal (14) can boast more wins than Chelsea's eight in the competition and, since the turn of the century, they have been the second most successful side.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino himself has less positive memories of playing in the FA Cup while at Tottenham. They were the beaten semi-finalists in 2017 — losing 4-2 to Chelsea in a memorable clash — but otherwise fell well short in the competition, only getting past the fifth round on one other occasion.

The third round tie against Preston is a chance to keep up his 100% domestic cup record since arriving, though. The Blues boss has so far navigated the Carabao Cup with impressive style, overcoming lower league opposition in Wimbledon and Blackburn as well as edging past more established teams in Brighton and Newcastle.

This time there is a demand and expectation that he will take Chelsea deeper in the competition. Not only is it another chance to qualify for European competition next year, something that is far from assured via a league finish, but it would also provide the fans with something to look forward to and a sense of progress — Chelsea lost at the first hurdle in both domestic cups last year, drawing Manchester City twice.

What is even more pressing for Pochettino this week, ahead of hosting Preston North End at Stamford Bridge, is managing the squad. The 51-year-old has been plagued by injuries this term and has felt little respite despite a recent upturn in form. He has lost Ben Chilwell and Reece James to knocks as well as the midfield being on constant rotation due to consistent niggles.

With a kinder run of league matches to come in January as well as the Carabao Cup committments,