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Chelsea predicted XI vs Wrexham as Romeo Lavia starts, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro decisions made
Football | March 7, 2026 5:40 PM CST

Liam Rosenior is set to make wholesale changes to his Chelsea side for this evening's FA Cup fifth round tie with Wrexham.

The Blues make the long trip up to north Wales and the Racecourse Ground as Rosenior looks to guide his team into next month's quarter-final. However, with a mammoth Champions League tie away at Paris Saint-Germain next week, Rosenior might have one eye on Europe.

This season, the two domestic cup competitions have been used by both Enzo Maresca and Rosenior to rotate their talented squad. That could well be the case again this evening. Bobby Vincent predicts the Chelsea line-up below:

  • Chelsea line-ups for Wrexham as Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Alejandro Garnacho decisions reached
  • Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Levi Colwill - Chelsea injury and return dates after Aston Villa

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Filip Jorgensen

Rosenior took everyone by shock on Wednesday evening when Jorgensen was included in the Chelsea line-up to take on Aston Villa. The Blues head coach explained how it was a tactical decision to leave Robert Sanchez on the bench, so it is really interesting to see what he does tonight. Whoever starts, one would suspect the one not playing will be the 'keeper picked next week against PSG. Jorgensen could get the nod in Wales.

Josh Acheampong

The 19-year-old has not featured for the Blues since the 1-1 draw with Burnley towards the back end of last month. This, though, seems the perfect opportunity to bring Acheampong back into the team on the right-hand side of defence, with Reece James and Malo Gusto getting a rest.

Mamadou Sarr

Sarr performed well at Arsenal last weekend when thrown in the deep end for his first Premier League start. Wesley Fofana replaced the Senegal international at Aston Villa, as expected following his one-match suspension. Sarr, though, could come back into the centre of defence in Wrexham.

Benoit Badiashile

The Frenchman has only featured six times under Rosenior since the head coach was appointed, with his most recent appearance coming over a month ago. Badiashile could well be given a chance in the centre of defence this evening alongside Sarr.

Jorrel Hato

Even though Hato started at Villa Park, Rosenior might hold Marc Cucurella back for the trip to France next week. Hato has been impressive under Rosenior and the Dutchman continued his fine form in the Midlands on Wednesday evening with an assured performance.

Romeo Lavia

Rosenior confirmed on Friday afternoon that Lavia will be involved against Wrexham. Understandably, the head coach did not confirm whether the Belgian would make his first start since early-November, but that will surely be the case.

Moises Caicedo

This name might come as a surprise but due to Chelsea's lack of No.10 options (see below), Caicedo could be given a start in Wrexham. Enzo Fernandez might be the one who gets a rest with the Ecuadorian partnering Lavia.

Pedro Neto

After sitting out of the win at Aston Villa due to suspension, the Portugal international is set to return to the squad. Neto could start on the right-hand side with Cole Palmer getting a rest ahead of next week's crunch PSG tie.

Andrey Santos

Santos has been used as a No.10 before, and also in his time with Rosenior at Strasbourg. The Brazil international could slot in there in north Wales as Rosenior looks to rest other players that have played more minutes this season.

Alejandro Garnacho

After impressing on Wednesday night, Garnacho could keep his place on the left wing. Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens remain out of action with hamstring injuries, although both are nearing a return.

Liam Delap

Joao Pedro has been in red-hot form recently and has earned a rest. Delap has not been able to get going since signing for Chelsea and will be hoping to leave his mark this evening in Wales.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; Acheampong, Sarr, Badiashile, Hato; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Santos, Garnacho; Delap


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