Chelsea target Alonso as Anfield test looms
Chelsea switch to 3-4-2-1 at Anfield with Colwill, Fofana, Hato in a new back three; Gusto and Cucurella as wing-backs. Wide men Neto, Garnacho and others out. Jorgensen starts, James on bench.
With wingers injured, McFarlane calls up Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Mathis Eboue for Anfield. Kavuma-McQueen has 9 goals, 3 assists for the U21s, Eboue 11 goals, 6 assists for the U18s.
Joao Pedro, on 23 goals this season, says his heart ‘beats for Fluminense’ and hopes to return there one day, while stressing he has just arrived at Chelsea and is ‘living a good moment’.
Chelsea are ‘alert’ to Ethan Nwaneri’s situation as Arsenal could seek £35m-£40m. The 19-year-old has struggled on loan at Marseille, with Dortmund, Juventus and AC Milan also linked.
FIFA confirm Moises Caicedo’s qualifier red will not carry into the World Cup under the new rule, so the Chelsea midfielder is available for Ecuador’s opener.
Joe Cole hails Estevao’s talent but fears a lack of experienced teammates could slow his development. The Brazilian has a hamstring injury, while system choices under the next manager may affect his role.
Chelsea target Xabi Alonso to lead the project, with Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola also shortlisted. Alonso is cautious but has not rejected the job, and could get greater transfer control at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plan a 2026-27 loan for Shim Mheuka after a prolific PL2 season, with squad spots blocked by João Pedro, Nicolas Jackson’s return, Liam Delap and incoming Emanuel Emegha. Extension talks expected.
Chelsea show strong interest in Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic, valued around €50m. Milan prefer a straight sale, with Badiashile likely to leave. Man United and Saudi clubs also monitor the Serb.
Reece James and Levi Colwill return to contention, Jorgensen starts in goal. Pedro Neto and Garnacho are doubts. Predicted XI includes James, Colwill, Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez, João Pedro and Delap.
Chelsea seek to avoid a seventh straight league loss before the FA Cup final. James and Colwill could start, Jorgensen in goal. Neto and Garnacho doubtful. Chelsea won 2-1 in October, Anfield test awaits.
McFarlane backs Filip Jorgensen despite errors, after the keeper was beaten centrally by Gravenberch at Anfield. He cites a ‘4-1’ win vs Villa and insists Chelsea ‘have a lot of trust in him’.
Calum McFarlane is ‘very hopeful’ Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho return for the FA Cup final after missing the 1-1 at Liverpool. He hails a ‘complete performance’ and targets momentum for Man City.
Chelsea halt six-game losing run with 1-1 at Anfield. Gravenberch struck early, Enzo Fernandez’s low free-kick levelled. VAR ruled out goals for both. Point keeps FA Cup focus, European hopes still slim.
Chelsea draw 1-1 at Liverpool. Colwill shines 9/10, Hato and Cucurella impress, Fernandez nets from a clever free-kick, Palmer has goal ruled out. Gusto struggles, Jorgensen questioned for opener.
