Shrimps boss doesn’t expect a surprising Chelsea squad

The two clubs meet at Stamford Bridge in round three on Saturday for the second time in five seasons.

Their previous meeting, which took place behind closed doors during the Covid-affected 2020/21 campaign, ended in a 4-0 win for Chelsea.

The Morecambe camp that day was taken aback by the team which Chelsea’s then boss, Frank Lampard, had opted to field.

His starting line-up included Antonio Rudiger, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Billy Gilmour and Hakim Ziyech, while Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic and Tammy Abraham were among the second-half substitutes to appear.

Adams isn’t expecting his opposite number, Enzo Maresca, to do something similar this weekend; not least with Chelsea having a Premier League game against Bournemouth next Tuesday.

While Morecambe’s manager doesn’t anticipate a first-choice Chelsea line-up, he recognises whoever features will provide a stern test for his squad.

Speaking at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Adams said: “I don’t think they will field their strongest starting XI, I might be surprised.

“The last time, Chelsea put out the strongest team they could on the day; it depends on what the manager thinks.

“Ironically, it’s my second time managing at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup third round and it’s his first time!

“They have quality players throughout their team. Whoever they play on the day, they have undoubted quality.

“I might rotate, just as Enzo might do with his squad. We haven’t decided yet, it’s a big decision for us.”