Chelsea is set to face Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup on January 11, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 08:30 PM IST at Stamford Bridge. With a rich history in the FA Cup, Chelsea boasts eight titles, though they head into this clash eager to reverse a four-match winless streak. Injuries to key players like Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile have prompted some reshuffling in the lineup. On the other hand, Morecambe, hailing from League Two, is relishing the opportunity to play against a top-tier club at such a historic venue.
Chelsea vs Morecambe Prediction & Betting Tips
Bookmakers favour Chelsea heavily, given their Premier League pedigree and home advantage. The odds for a home win are at 1.02, while a draw is 22.80, and a Morecambe victory is highly unlikely at 57.74. Betting on over 2.5 goals seems wise, with odds at 1.18, considering Chelsea’s motivation to break their winless streak and their statistical edge over lower-league opponents.
Prediction and Betting Tips:
- Over 2.5 Goals: 1.18
Chelsea vs Morecambe Odds
The odds highlight Chelsea as the overwhelming favourites. Their win is priced low at 1.02, reflecting anticipated dominance at home. Conversely, the odds for a draw or a Morecambe victory are significantly higher, underscoring the disparity in expectations. For goals over 5.5, the odds are 2.29 compared to 2.21 for under. Both teams scoring is seen as less likely, with odds at 2.52 for ‘Yes’ and 1.47 for ‘No’, projecting Chelsea’s defensive control.
Betting Odds:
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Home Win | 1.02 |
| Draw | 22.80 |
| Away Win | 57.74 |
| Over 5.5 Goals | 2.29 |
| Under 5.5 Goals | 2.21 |
| Both Teams to Score (Yes) | 2.52 |
| Both Teams to Score (No) | 1.47 |
Chelsea Team Analysis
Recent Performance:
Chelsea’s form has been lacklustre, without a win in their last four league games. They drew with Crystal Palace, lost to Ipswich Town and Fulham, had a goalless tie with Everton, and only managed a decisive 5-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League. Despite a 62% possession rate in their latest match, their conversion into goals remains a challenge. Manager Enzo Maresca faces pressure to adjust tactics to break the current streak.
Recent Results:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | Chelsea | 1 – 1 (D) |
| Ipswich Town | Chelsea | 2 – 0 (L) |
| Chelsea | Fulham | 1 – 2 (L) |
| Everton | Chelsea | 0 – 0 (D) |
| Chelsea | Shamrock Rovers | 5 – 1 (W) |
Key Players:
Reece James’s return from injury brings much-needed stability and leadership. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is vital for dictating play and creating opportunities. With key absences, young talents must rise to the occasion, especially in attack, where Chelsea is keen for breakthroughs. Promising players like Gabriel Slonina are in development, though a finger injury may sideline him.
Suspensions & Injuries:
Injuries pose a significant challenge, especially in defence with Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile sidelined.
Injury List:
| Player | Injury Description | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Wesley Fofana | Hamstring Injury | Mid May 2025 |
| Benoît Badiashile | Muscle Injury | Early February 2025 |
| Roméo Lavia | Hamstring Injury | Mid January 2025 |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Knock Injury | Doubtful |
| Carney Chukwuemeka | Illness | Mid January 2025 |
| Gabriel Slonina | Finger Injury | Doubtful |
Tactics and Formation:
Chelsea is expected to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, leveraging an aggressive attacking approach that emphasises wing play. Reece James plays a crucial role in defence and as a leader. With flexibility in tactical adjustments, the focus will be on dominating possession against Morecambe’s defensively disciplined lineup.
Morecambe Team Analysis
Recent Performance:
Morecambe arrives with mixed results, having won against Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United, but suffered defeats from Salford City, Bromley, and Cheltenham Town. They demonstrate defensive resilience, particularly in cup matches, with an emphasis on counterattacking strategies against high-level teams like Chelsea.
Recent Results:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Morecambe | Tranmere Rovers | 2 – 0 (W) |
| Salford City | Morecambe | 1 – 0 (L) |
| Carlisle United | Morecambe | 0 – 1 (W) |
| Morecambe | Bromley | 0 – 2 (L) |
| Cheltenham Town | Morecambe | 2 – 0 (L) |
Key Players:
Jordan Slew emerges as a pivotal player, known for his scoring prowess in prior FA Cup victories. Morecambe players view this match as a platform to shine and boost their profiles against a renowned club. Defensively, the focus is on the goalkeeper and back-line, prepared for Chelsea’s offence.
Suspensions & Injuries:
Morecambe enters the match without any major suspensions or injuries, offering Derek Adams a complete squad to select from.
Tactics and Formation:
Morecambe plans to use a 4-4-2 setup, prioritising defensive solidity and rapid counterattacks. Jordan Slew’s agility and precision in finishing will be key. Defensively, maintaining cohesion and capitalising on set-pieces are crucial to their strategy.
Chelsea vs Morecambe Head-to-Head Statistics
In their previous encounter during the FA Cup in January 2021, Chelsea secured a commanding 4-0 victory. Historically, Chelsea has had the upper hand and enters this clash as clear favourites.
Previous Result:
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chelsea | Morecambe | 4 – 0 (January 10, 2021) |
Where to Watch Chelsea vs Morecambe? (Live Streaming)
Fans can watch the epic FA Cup battle between Chelsea FC and Morecambe FC on Sony Sports Network. OTT users can stream the match on Sony LIV website and mobile app.
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