Frank Lampard to start strong XI against Liverpool in the FA Cup
Frank Lampard will deploy a strong Chelsea XI in the FA Cup fifth-round tie against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, according to the Independent.
In spite of his commitments in the Premier League and the Champions League, the Blues boss intends to field a strong XI against the Reds.
Chelsea are currently in the fourth spot and are being chased by a plethora of teams hell-bent on usurping them. Having suffered a 3-0 first-leg loss to Bayern Munich, the FA Cup represents Chelsea’s best chance of a trophy.
When asked if he will rotate his players, Lampard commented that he will play a strong XI against the best team in the land.
“Our fans are coming in the FA Cup to try to overturn the best team in the land.”
He vowed to treat the tie akin to any other Premier League game and suggested that changes will be kept minimal taking into account the condition of the players.
The Chelsea boss will be without a number of his first-team stars including the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and N’Golo Kante who are all out injured.
This will be the third time that the clubs have met this season with the Reds prevailing on both previous occasions. The UEFA Super Cup tie ended 2-2 with the Reds winning on penalties while goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino ensured a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in the league.
Uncharted waters
This is the first time that Liverpool has progressed to the fifth round under Jurgen Klopp and are now just four wins away from winning the Cup. The Reds have so far played a weaker team in the competition and it remains to be seen how Klopp approaches the tie.
Liverpool were at the end of a 3-0 hammering against Watford on Saturday and the fans will be hungry to see a quick turnaround.
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The Reds defeated Everton and Shrewsbury Town en route to the fifth round with the latter taking the game into a replay. Liverpool have won the FA Cup seven times, the last coming in 2006.
