The first round of the FA Cup for Premier League teams is a balancing act between rotation and cup tying players. Chelsea will walk the tight rope.
The very first match of the FA Cup is a surprising balancing act for Premier League clubs like Chelsea. After a packed January, rotation is a must. But so is advancement, especially for Chelsea when the cup remains the best shot at a trophy this season. There is also cup tying to consider with some of the fringe players marked for transfers/loans throughout England. Frank Lampard will have to juggle, but in a very particular way as he navigates his way into the cup.
Willy Caballero, 13, Goalkeeper, Argentina
Remember Caballero? It was not so long ago that fans demanded he start over Thibaut Courtois (and some over Kepa Arrizabalaga). But time catches all players and it caught up to Caballero. He is still surely a fine keeper but his eccentricities do not quite gel with what is already a very scattershot defensive set up. He started both games in the League Cup and is surely starting for a few in the FA Cup as his slow farewell begins.
Tariq Lamptey, 48, Right back, England
Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta have both nursed injuries in recent weeks. Luckily, Lampard has dug up yet another promising right back to play in Lamptey. Lampard (with some urging by Jody Morris) trusted Lamptey against Arsenal, so it should be an easy pick to trust him against Nottingham Forest. And if that helps to convince him he has a place at Chelsea and to extend, all the better.
Antonio Rudiger, 2, Center back, Germany
Part of the FA Cup is walking the line between a squad that can win but also rotating and giving chances to fringe/young players. So as much as some managers may want to have an academy day, that is not necessarily realistic. Rudiger is still trying to find stable footing after his injury and this game could be a good chance for it. It also offers a rare chance for Kurt Zouma to rest.
Marc Guehi, 44, Center back, England
Guehi started against Manchester United in the League Cup but has not found a way in since. That was a big sign of trust in the young defender and it would only make sense for Lampard to continue to show it now. Andreas Christensen could get the nod, but he feels very on the outs with Lampard just like he did with Maurizio Sarri.
Emerson, 33, Left back, Italy
Emerson wants to stay and fight at Chelsea. That is good but he has to show that he has some fight in him when he plays. After an excellent start to the season, he returned from injury and has only gotten steadily worse. His recent performances have been laughable for a player at a top six club. If he wants to stay and fend off potential future signings, he needs to start showing Lampard that he can be trusted.