Chelsea fans here in the Tavern are hoping that their beloved Blues can carry cup momentum into the remainder of the Premier League season.
The Pensioners are looking to divert the attention away from the controversy surrounding the club at this moment in time, as the Blues now seem to have their eyes fixated on progression in the FA Cup. Indeed, with a Champions League spot being the main aim for the club in the remainder of the campaign, any momentum produced in the cup competitions will be crucial to their pledge for a top-four spot.
Of course, Chelsea welcome Championship side Hull City to Stamford Bridge in the fifth round of the FA Cup, as they look to avoid an upset that could cause for a pandemonium among Blues fans. Indeed, with their current batch of first-team players not cutting it for the Italian manager, perhaps a turn to some of the youth stars will do the trick at the Bridge.
For a Blues side that’s been short on gifting opportunities to products of the academy so far this season, the cup has become the only opportunity for aspiring youngsters to stake their claim on a possible place in the first-team.
Nevertheless, here’s a look at TWO youngster who really need to start if Conte wants to win…
Callum Hudson-Odoi
The 17-year-old Ghanaian is one of the brightest products in the Chelsea youth ranks, having already managed to make one FA Cup appearances already this season for the Blues.
Indeed, the attacking midfielder is already into double-figures for goals and has five+ assists to his name in the Blues’ under-23 side thus far, as he certainly looks to be one for the future at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, in today’s fixture against Championship side Hull City, an opportunity will no doubt be handed to the tricky attacker who’s looking to build on the nine minutes handed to him in the last round.
Ethan Ampadu
The English-born defender has established himself as one of the rising stars in the whole of English domestic football, as a central defender that’s already asserted his dominance on opposition of the highest calibre already this season.
Indeed, all it takes is one viewing of a performance produced by the youngster to realise how special Ethan Ampadu is, with his six first-team appearances so far this season highlighting that he’s already bordering Premier League level.
Of course, after being brought on as a substitute in their last FA Cup outing against Newcastle United, the young prodigy will be keen to hit the ground running with a regular place in the first-team not too far out of reach.
