For now, it seems like Christian Pulisic will only see action for Chelsea in cup competition, and the next opportunity comes Wednesday night when the Blues host Grimsby Town. The two sides will meet in the third round of the League Cup, as Chelsea commences their 2019-20 campaign in this competition.
The 2-1 loss at home to Liverpool yesterday saw Pulisic go an unused substitute for third straight game. This came on the heels of his being in the first team for the UEFA Super Cup and three Premier League fixtures. At this point, the $73 million acquisition in January is behind both Willian and Pedro on the depth chart.
Frank Lampard explained in the post match presser why Pulisic isn’t higher up in his squad selection priority right now. Chelsea’s post Eden Hazard rebuild is certainly a youth movement and it’s something that doesn’t currently include Pulisic.
That said, Grimsby Town is a League Two side (the fourth tier of English football), and therefore this is a match to play more of the kids. Lampard, keen of all the injury issues his side is currently facing, will start plenty of youth players.
Antonio Rudiger’s groin injury has been an issue, N’Golo Kante is still not 100% fit and Emerson Palmieri’s injury flared up once more at the weekend. However, there is some good news and Reece James and Callum-Hudson-Odoi are nearing full fitness as both have seen action with the U23s lately.
This match could provide a senior team debut for the former and the first meaningful action for the latter since he ruptured his Achilles last April.
We could see another debutant in 17-year-old Ian Maatsen, while a match of this variety (where there is such a wide gap in club size and roster talent), plus the fitness issues that Chelsea currently has, means the potential exists for Billy Gilmour and Marc Gueh to possibly come into the senior team as well.
Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction vs Grimsby Town (League Cup 3rd Round)
Christian Pulisic Olivier Giroud Callum Hudson-Odoi
Billy Gilmour Mateo Kovacic Ross Barkley
Reece James Marc Gueh Kurt Zouma Ian Maatsen
Willy Caballero
Chelsea FC vs Grimsby Town League Cup 3rd Round FYIs
Kickoff: Wed Sept 25, Stamford Bridge, 7:45 pm
Odds via Betway Chelsea win 1.1 Draw 10 Rochdale win 23
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