Chelsea's good luck in cup draws continues in this year's FA Cup

Chelsea’s good luck in cup draws continues in this year’s FA Cup

Chelsea's Italian midfielder Jorginho gestures on the pitch after the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Plymouth Argyle at Stamford Bridge in London on February 5, 2022. - Chelsea won the game 2-1 after extra time. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chelsea labored their way past Plymouth in practice, but on paper the game was a one sided blowout with the only blemish a set piece goal. The Blues very much should have blasted the Pilgrims away to the tune of 5-1 or more but finishing remains the White Wale for Thomas Tuchel’s (and every manager arguably since Antonio Conte) Chelsea.

The Blues have had some kind cup draws this year. The EFL Cup featured Aston Villa and Southampton at the Bridge, Brentford away, and then the two legged tie to Tottenham before the upcoming final to Liverpool. All Premier League teams, sure, but no one that really causes any sweat (at least on paper). The first round of Chelsea’s FA Cup saw the Blues host National League team Chesterfield and they followed that up with League One’s Plymouth Argyle.

The draw for the next round has Chelsea’s luck continuing. The Blues will be travelling to Luton in what should be another straightforward match. Just who are the Hatters and what are the ends and outs of this fixture?

Luton (currently) sit 9th out of the 24 Championship teams, just three points off the playoff spots with a game in hand. For all intents and purposes, it would be wise for the Blues to treat Luton as if they were gearing up for promotion, especially given the game is away. They may be an outside shot, but they do have a shot. Managed by Nathan Jones (who aside from a brief stint at Stoke City, has only managed at Luton), Luton has made steady progress up the football pyramid since the 15/16 season. They have only bettered their position year after year since then with back to back promotions included.

Related Story. Chelsea 2-1 Plymouth player ratings: Alonso's goal wins FA Cup clash. light

As for Chelsea, the game falls kindly in a few ways. After returning from the Club World Cup, Chelsea gets to stay in London all the way up to the Luton game. Just before will be the League Cup final against Liverpool which will require all hands on deck as someone besides Manchester City looks to win that piece of midseason silverware. It’s still a little unclear as to when the match will actually be but Luton is a stone’s throw away travel wise. Burnley away would follow, provided that it isn’t moved to make way for Luton.

This match wouldn’t necessarily be a chance for youth or super fringe players, because based on Plymouth, that time is already done. It could be a chance for the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, and other fringe players that are closer to the starting XI than being off the bench. That is, of course, if nothing drastically changes between now and then.

Next. Three things we learnt in Chelsea's 2-1 FA Cup win over Plymouth. dark

Chelsea could be going to Luton flying high with more winner’s medals, looking to get some revenge after a loss, or deflated from a loss. It is a ways away for Thomas Tuchel to worry about, but he’ll like his odds of advancing in the FA Cup regardless of the EFL Cup final just before.

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