Chelsea will be made to sweat for their victory
Exciting Championship mid-table outfit Barnsley welcome London giants Chelsea to a decidedly worse for wear pitch at Oakwell for their Thursday FA Cup fifth round clash. The hosts have some of the most promising young players outside the top tier in their XI, and whilst few would predict them to upset Thomas Tuchel's winning run at the start of his life at Stamford Bridge, he can expect his charges to have to combat both the pitch and a side with very little to lose to seal their place in the quarter finals. Read our preview here:
Styles clash
Well-travelled Tykes head coach Valérien Ismaël has made an encouraging debut in English football, lifting the South Yorkshire side well away from the oft-predicted heavy flirtation with the relegation zone for a second season running. Only a disastrous second period could make that prospect a realistic outcome, and moreover, he has moulded a very young squad in his image. Just as content to go direct as to sit in the opposition's half with a stranglehold on possession, supporters are witnessing the lifting of many of their personnel into the limelight, and with it, covetous glances from clubs with larger budgets. One such individual is the versatile Callum Styles, who, at just 20, is demonstrating many of the key qualities to take his career higher in the game. Just at home in the middle of midfield as he is at his now more customary left wing-back slot, his influence is growing in a red shirt, and it might only be a matter of time before a bid comes in for his services when the campaign concludes.
Playing for Kepa
Doubtlessly, Barnsley will struggle to find the space or opportunities to even contemplate dictating the game to Chelsea, but if they can get a glimpse of goal, they're likely to be instructed to shoot on sight. Tuchel has reinstated Spanish international Kepa Arrizabalaga between the sticks, with Edouard Mendy looking increasingly forlorn and unconvincing. However, despite the upturn in form, he has also been far from solid, and a performance of note on Thursday would go some way to restoring his self-confidence. Elsewhere, it remains to be seen just how strong, but if the previous round (under Frank Lampard) is an indication at all, then it will closely resemble the best available XI. The combination of Reece James' crossing and Tammy Abraham's movement will severely test the back three.
Cauley my bluff
The parlous state of the playing surface will be a huge factor in the game, as well as something that will tip the scales to be a little more balanced. It won't stop Chelsea in their tracks completely, and they should find space down the sides with how pushed up their full-backs are likely to be all game long. That said, they, and Barnsley for that matter, will need to be patient with the ball to make the most of the conditions, and longer shots might be taken than ordinarily would be the case. That could spell danger for Kepa, whose big weakness is facing efforts from range. bet365 are offering odds of 2.38 for over 3.5 goals in 90 minutes.
