After the fracas of the London derby where Chelsea were making headlines but for all the wrong reasons, a Carling cup tie could provide some respite for the vilified team as they travel away to face Walsall from League One.
Chelsea might have won their last game against Arsenal 2-0 but the talk of the town was regarding Diego Costa and his antics in the game. Chelsea will hope to put all that behind them and build on the win against the Gunners with another dominant display against lower league opposition. This could be the perfect time for Mourinho to rest a few of his big stars and play some of the fringe players and we predict the starting lineup for the Blues.
Asmir Begovic
The goalkeeper should keep his place in the team, especially since Courtois is injured for quite a while.
Asmir Begović
Baba Rahman
The big money signing from Augsburg should get a chance to show his ability for the Blues and against lower league opposition, he could do well.
John Terry
The captain was dropped against Arsenal over the weekend but should return back to the starting XI against Walsall and hopefully lead the Champions to the next round of the Carling Cup.
John Terry
Papy Djilobodji
The new signing form Ligue 1 could make a start for the Blues in this low key encounter, this would also be perfect for him to learn more about the English game.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The most consistent defender that Chelsea have, Azpilicueta should continue to be in the team and will be hopeful of progression into the next round.
Ruben Loftus – Cheek
The youngster was one of the bright sparks for Chelsea this season and should start the game for Chelsea.
John Obi Mikel
Mikel should be looked as the option to provide some steel in the Chelsea midfield and should be played in this game.
Willian
One of the players who has surprisingly been dropped a few times by Mourinho, Willian should start for Chelsea in this game against the League One team.
Kenedy
Another youngster who was brought in at the start of the season, we have seen flashes of Kenedy and this would be the ideal platform for him to play a full 90 minute game.
Falcao
Falcao hasn’t been at his best since his move from Monaco more than a season ago and he needs to take advantage of playing in such games if he starts.
Falcao To Start
Loic Remy
The French striker might not be clocking as many minutes as he would like but he could start against Walsall and should be looking to do well.
Chelsea star Lauren James has opened up about the public scrutiny regarding her personality and the lazy labels often attached to her playing style. The England forward insists that her laid back nature is a reflection of her introverted character rather than a lack of professional desire.
The 24 year old has addressed the frequent misconceptions regarding her demeanour on and off the pitch. James has become one of the most recognisable figures in the women’s game, yet she admits that her naturally reserved personality is often misinterpreted by those who do not know her personally.
Care a Lot Despite Laid Back Character
“I’m very misunderstood. Because I’m such a laid back character, it can sometimes come across that I’m not bothered, but actually I care a lot. That is just the way I am,” said James in an interview with The Times. “Sometimes it’s great. Then other times there’s a lot of criticism, which can be about me as a person when they don’t know me.”
James hopes her transparency will help other introverted athletes feel comfortable in their own skin. “Hopefully, it inspires other girls that play football and are similar. They’re laid back, they’re introverts, they don’t like talking to everyone. Sometimes it can come across as arrogant, but actually, they don’t know how shy you are.”
Trying to Find Rhythm After Injuries
Despite her quiet off field presence, James remains incredibly ambitious on the pitch as she works her way back from a string of foot, calf, and hamstring issues. “I’m just trying to find the rhythm and get back my best. When you’ve had so many little injuries, it takes time to trust your body again. I’m starting to feel a lot more like myself again, and hopefully I can build on that.”
Chelsea face Manchester United in the Women’s League Cup final next weekend before their WSL clash against Brighton on March 18.
Also read: An Injury Setback For Izzy Atkinson as Sunderland Women Star’s Return Timeline Emerges
WWE wrestler Chelsea Green enjoyed the full Chelsea experience when she was the guest of honour at Stamford Bridge against Brentford last month. The former two time and inaugural WWE Women’s United States Champion made her first trip to the stadium to watch the Blues beat the Bees 2-0.
The 34 year old watched on from the Dugout Club as Liam Rosenior’s men secured victory after goals from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer. Green, who has Chelsea roots in her family with her mother and extended family being British, also sent a congratulatory message to the west London outfit on Instagram following the Club World Cup triumph last summer.
Dove in Headfirst as Chelsea Fans Do
The former AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champion told talkSPORT, “I had the best time, I drank lots of champagne, I got a jersey. I really just like dove in headfirst as the Chelsea fans do.”
Green, who joined talkSPORT as part of WWE 2K26 Creator Fest, was speaking to ex Chelsea star Tony Cascarino on Weekend Breakfast. However, she broke the 63 year old’s heart by admitting she would not don his retro kit after being gifted a shirt by Blues ace Marc Cucurella.
I’m a Kuk’s Girl Right Now
On the prospect of wearing a Cascarino kit, Green replied: “I don’t think so. I feel like, I’m sorry, but I feel like I’m a Kuk’s girl right now.” This is brilliant loyalty from Green, who clearly understands the importance of supporting current players over legends from the past.
Chelsea Fan for Life
Green recently opened up on her connection with Chelsea that goes far beyond simply sharing a name. “I’ve been a Chelsea fan for life. My grandparents are British, my mum is British, my cousins and uncle are here, and I also lived in Devon when I was seven and eight years old,” she told the Blues’ website.
The Canadian born wrestler was gifted a custom Chelsea FC belt and a Cucurella shirt during her memorable first visit to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
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