Chelsea and their youth core of players and manager are within touching distance of their first piece of silverware, the FA Cup. And their road to glory goes through a quarterfinal tie at Leicester City later today.
Chelsea Youth Look to Take Major Step Against Leicester City in FA Cup
Blues Need FA Cup Glory
Chelsea have had a hot restart to the campaign, with two victories from two, including a comeback win at Aston Villa and a smash and grab win at home to Manchester City. Now, they turn to the FA Cup which remains their only realistic shot at a trophy this year.
For the young players, this presents a fantastic opportunity for them to take the next step in their development. Playing well and winning some games is one thing. But actually seeing out a preseason goal and lifting the cup is different. It’s a level of maturity this team has not shown enough of this year.
Chelsea have struggled at the end of games, conceding late goals to drop points on several occasions. In a league season, you can afford to do that. But in a knockout competition, you don’t get second chances. And no doubt manager Frank Lampard will impart that wisdom on his players before kick-off.
For the Blues, lifting a trophy at the beginning of the Lampard era would crown a perfect start, invoking confidence for the future. And for the players, especially the young core of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, and others, this is the time to actually reach a tangible, preseason target and prove to themselves that they belong and they’re the ones capable of leading Chelsea back to the promise-land over the next few years.
Against a Leicester side that are still third in the Premier League, but has struggled since the restart, Chelsea’s expectations should be a victory and spot in the semifinals.
Chelsea Youth Players
It has been a solid debut season as Chelsea manager for Frank Lampard. Not only are his side fourth in the Premier League and in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but his introduction of the Chelsea youth players has also been relatively successful.
Despite injuries, Callum Hudson-Odoi has managed three goals from 25 appearances, while Tammy Abraham is the Blues’ top scorer with 15 goals in all competitions.
American Christian Pulisic has had a tremendous season, scoring eight goals, while Mason Mount is another top have stepped up from the Championship successfully, playing 43 times this season.
Defensively, the club haven’t been as sound. That said, Lampard has continued with his trust in youth. Fikayo Tomori and Reece James have both had some valuable game time.
Score Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea
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