{"id":555641,"date":"2020-06-28T04:38:43","date_gmt":"2020-06-28T08:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=555641"},"modified":"2021-05-06T21:34:33","modified_gmt":"2021-05-07T01:34:33","slug":"chelsea-youth-look-to-take-major-step-against-leicester-city-in-fa-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/06\/28\/chelsea-youth-look-to-take-major-step-against-leicester-city-in-fa-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea Youth Look to Take Major Step Against Leicester City in FA Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chelsea <\/a>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<\/a> later today.<\/p>\n

Chelsea Youth Look to Take Major Step Against Leicester City in FA Cup<\/h2>\n

Blues Need FA Cup Glory<\/h3>\n

Chelsea have had a hot restart to the campaign, with two victories from two, including a comeback win at Aston Villa<\/a> and a smash and grab win at home to Manchester City<\/a>. Now, they turn to the FA Cup which remains their only realistic shot at a trophy this year.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, Mason Mount<\/a>, Christian Pulisic<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Chelsea Youth Players<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Score Prediction: Leicester City 1-2 Chelsea<\/strong><\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>