Chelsea boss set to ring changes for Sheffield United FA Cup tie – as Blues wait to discover Champions League opponents in last eight
BY PAUL LAGAN
paul@slpmedia.co.uk
Thomas Tuchel will make a host of changes for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge.
Fresh from Wednesday night’s convincing 2-0 win at home to Atletico Madrid, which means the west Londoners are in the Champions League quarter-final draw today, head coach Tuchel will rest a few and welcome back others.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to take his place between the sticks with Edouard Mendy dropping out, while Mason Mount and Jorginho should return having missed the midweek European tie through suspension.
Tuchel is still trying to find a way to get Timo Werner into goalscoring positions and so will retain the German striker, whose team play is earning plaudits, but it’s his goals that are needed to push Chelsea to the next level.
Ben Chilwell is expected to take Marcos Alonso’s place at left-back.
A disappointing Atletico Madrid were beaten 3-0 on aggregate. Tuchel was understandably happy, but also wanted more from his charges.
He said the key to victory over the La Liga leaders was intensity, effort and teamwork.
“We had moments when we were brave in defending and adapted to any system the opponents played,” said Tuchel.
“We deserve to be there [in the quarter-final draw]. I am sure no-one wants to play us. We have no need to be afraid of anyone, we will be prepared.”
Tuchel singled out several players for special mention.
He said: “Hakim Ziyech played because he deserved to and because he has played at this stage of the competition – for Ajax – before.
“He has good experience and knows what it takes to get through to the last eight, but he needs to adapt to our style and learn when to take a risk and when not to.”
Of N’Golo Kante, Tuchel is delighted to have him in the side.
“It’s a pleasure to coach Kante,” he said. “He gives an intensity of performance that is unique.
“You must never underestimate his quality of passing and ability to escape from the pressure and he can still improve with the ball.”
Chelsea dominated virtually all of the 90 minutes, as they did in the first leg which they won 1-0.
But Tuchel is still still not satisfied.
“We could have finished the game off in the second half,” he said. “We are still lacking with the final pass. But it was nice to see all three of our attackers involved in the goal.”
Emma Hayes’ Chelsea Women stay top of the WSL after their convincing 3-0 win at Everton on Wednesday.
Fresh from the 6-0 thrashing of Bristol City to retain the League Cup on Sunday, goals from Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder and Melanie Leupolz swept away the Toffeewomen and kept the Blues two points clear of chasing Manchester City.
Chelsea have a week to prepare for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, with the Blues facing the German side in Budapest, Hungary on Wednesday.
The Blues return to England for a WSL match against Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow on Sunday, March 28 before heading back to Budapest for the second leg.
