These two clubs have only ever met once before, doing so at the same ground at the same stage four years and one day ago, with Chelsea cruising to a 4-0 victory; Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz the scorers, which feels like a different world!
Chelsea vs Morecambe Preview
Chelsea are eight-times FA Cup winners, featuring in five of the last eight finals, while they haven't lost a home third round tie since being dumped out by Oxford in '91, a fact that's unlikely to change here. Not so long ago, many were touting Enzo Maresca's side as bona fide Premier League title contenders, although they're currently winless in four, suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Fulham and Ipswich, while also being held to draws by Everton and, most-recently, Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, the Blues are still on course for a commendable top four spot, while Maresca would also love to crown his first season in West London with silverware; his team massive favourites in the Conference League, but they also must be amongst the serious contenders to be hoisting this trophy aloft come May. Thus, will Chelsea comfortably book their place in round four?
As for Morecambe, they're one of only eight clubs to have made it this far from the fourth-tier or below, defeating Worthing 1-0 and then Bradford City 2-0 so far, rewarded with this glamour tie. Thus, the Shrimps have reached round three for only the seventh time in their entire history, four of which have come in the last five seasons, most-recently dumped out by Swansea 12 months ago, having been defeated 3-1 at Spurs two years earlier.
Despite this cup run, Derek Adams' side are enduring a generally miserable league season, beating Tranmere Rovers 2-0 in their most-recent outing on New Year's Day, but this was only their fifth victory 24 matches into the campaign. As a result, Morecambe are second-bottom of EFL League Two, in serious danger of a second relegation in just three seasons, which would catastrophically see them drop into non-league for the first time since 2007. For now, those relegation worries can be put on the back burner, and the 3,000 supporters making the 239 mile journey south from Lancashire can do so dreaming of a famous upset.
Chelsea vs Morecambe Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 1.
- Chelsea Wins: 1. Draws: 0. Morecambe Wins: 0.
Chelsea Team News
Enzo Maresca has deployed a B-team for the ten Conference League and EFL Cup fixtures so far, likely to utilise a similar-looking lineup for this tie. First and foremost, Benoît Badiashile, Wesley Foana and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are injured, Roméo Lavia is a doubt due to a hamstring issue, while Mykhailo Mudryk remains provisionally suspended, after failing a drugs test. It terms of who could feature, Filip Jörgensen will be donning the gloves, while Josh Acheampong is hoping for another start in defence, having got the nod at Selhurst last Saturday. Club captain Reece James hasn't featured since 10 November but, having been an unused substitute for the last two matches, is surely in line to return to the pitch. Having bagged a hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers just before Christmas, Marc Guiu will spearhead the attack, with a fair amount of talent in-behind.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Morecambe: (4-2-3-1): Jörgensen; James, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Veiga; Casadei, Rak-Sakyi, Madueke, Nkunku, João Félix; Guiu.
Chelsea Players to Watch vs Morecambe
Christopher Nkunku has 12 goals to his name this season, 11 of which have come in the Conference League or EFL Cup, including a hat-trick when Barrow visited Stamford Bridge in September, hoping to potentially bag another match ball here.
Chelsea vs Morecambe Prediction
We cannot see any other result than a resounding Chelsea victory; they beat Morecambe 4-0 four years ago, but this rematch is likely to produce even more goals: Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe.
Chelsea vs Morecambe FAQs - FA Cup
How to watch Chelsea vs Morecambe FA Cup game on TV channel?
Chelsea vs Morecambe FA Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now Plus
How to watch Chelsea vs Morecambe FA Cup game on live streaming?
Chelsea vs Morecambe FA Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: ESPN+
- Canada: Sportsnet Now Plus
What is the date and kick-off time for Chelsea vs Morecambe in the FA Cup?
Chelsea vs Morecambe takes place on Saturday 11 January 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PST).