Liam Rosenior to name strong team in attempt to save face – Chelsea predicted XI vs Port Vale

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.

(Credit: Imago) Fri 3 April 2026 16:30, UK Liam Rosenior is set to name a strong Chelsea XI for the visit of Port Vale in the quarter-final of the FA Cup this weekend. The 41-year-old has seen the pressure on his position ramp up in the aftermath of his team’s brutal Champions League exit at the hands of PSG, and the FA Cup is now their final chance to end the season with a trophy to show for their efforts.

League One’s bottom club Port Vale are the visitors to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s evening kick-off, but they will be buoyed by their victory over Sunderland in the last round. The boss will know that defeat to Port Vale could be hugely damaging for his own prospects, and the FA Cup is their final chance to win a trophy.PlayerInjuryPossible Return DateReece JamesThigh12 AprilJamie GittensThigh12 AprilFilip JorgensenGroin12 AprilTrevoh ChalobahFoot3 MayLevi ColwillKnee24 MayChelsea’s current injury absentees, as per Premier Injuries.Rosenior is well-placed to try and save face with a strong team, with a view to ensuring that his team avoid embarrassment at all costs.

Credit: Breaking MediaThe spine of Chelsea’s team could look relatively familiar to their last Premier League XI, as Rosenior looks to try and strike a balance between ensuring progression, but also getting minutes for some of the squad players.What can Blues fans expect from Port Vale?Chelsea should be facing an easy assignment on paper this weekend, but the reality of Port Vale’s current situation means that they could pose an unexpected threat to the Blues. Jon Brady’s side are currently on a run of just one win in their last six league games, and given that they are now 14 points clear of safety in League One, their relegation is imminent.