Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Hull City: Lamptey starts but not Gilmour, Tomori returns

It’s back to FA Cup action for Chelsea as we take on Hull City in the fourth round today. Despite having somewhat of a patchy season, Hull will almost certainly try to take advantage of the famous Magic Of The Cup™ and cause an upset. As such, underestimating the Tigers could prove costly and a well-balanced lineup is therefore essential.

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The 4-2-3-1 just about edges it here from the WAGNH community, narrowly favouring it over the 4-3-3 (44%) formation. The 3-4-3 (5%) seems a distant memory at this point.

Caballero replaces Kepa Arrizabalaga (15%) in goal as he usually does and should in cup games. Jamie Cumming collects a respectable 10% as well.

At the back, it’s a mixture of youth and experience. Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori come in for Andreas Christensen (25%) and Antonio Rüdiger (19%) while Emerson slots in at left-back. It’s great to see academy rising star Tariq Lamptey get the nod over César Azpilicueta (33%). Ian Maatsen was not on the voting form, but did collect a handful of write-in votes.

While Jorginho (31%) and N’Golo Kanté (30%) sit this one out, Mateo Kovačić stays in the side and starts in the pivot alongside Ross Barkley. Young Billy Gilmour (51%) just misses out, and should be on the bench at the very least after a lengthy absence from the fringes of the first-team.

The attacking band sees Michy Batshuayi given a golden opportunity ahead of Olivier Giroud (26%); let’s hope he takes it. The trio of Pedro, Mason Mount, and Callum Hudson-Odoi start behind the striker, with Willian (24%) being afforded a breather.

4-2-3-1 (47%)
Caballero (75%) | Emerson (70%), Tomori (88%), Zouma (75%), Lamptey (72%) | Kovačić (69%), Barkley (77%) | Hudson-Odoi (78%), Mount (59%), Pedro (75%) | Batshuayi (72%)

MY PREFERRED LINEUP

I couldn’t have put the starting lineup any better! The only real question mark remains with Mateo Kovačić for me as he undoubtedly brings a heap of experience and stability to the side, but this might also be a good opportunity to reintroduce Billy Gilmour; time will tell.

4-2-3-1
Caballero | Emerson, Tomori, Zouma, Lamptey | Kovačić, Barkley | Hudson-Odoi, Mount, Pedro | Batshuayi

COME ON, YOU BLUES!!!