Chelsea FC is scheduled to welcome EFL League Two outfit Morecambe at Stamford Bridge for the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday, January 11, 2025. The kick-off time has been scheduled for 3 p.m. GMT or 10 a.m. ET, 7 a.m. PT, and 2 a.m. AEDT on Sunday, January 12. The match would be Chelsea’s first home match this year, where the Blues hope to rebuild and regain some form after going through a pretty bad spell lately.
Match Context
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, is out to rebound from a poor spell of form, with the side yet to taste a win in the last four games in all competitions. In recent games, the club lost the lead deep into stoppages against Crystal Palace and was frustrated in the draw. The FA Cup is the biggest target that the club must secure silverware this season since its last victory in 2018.
Whereas, Morecambe is experiencing a tough season, presently languishing near the relegation zone in League Two. Having been on the back foot quite often, they still managed to pull off an upset against Tranmere Rovers recently and hope to do it again against a strong Premier League outfit.
Team News
Chelsea are expected to change their line-up significantly ahead of this game. Important players Reece James and Romeo Lavia are returning from injury; others like young player Josh Acheampong will be fielded as well since Maresca wants his players to return refreshed.
Morecambe’s manager Derek Adams must also be well-prepared for his team as he prepares for this tough challenge. The Shrimps have had mixed results lately but must try to build on the win to carry all the confidence they need against Chelsea.
How to Watch
For fans interested in the live-action:
- United States: The live stream will be available on ESPN+.
- International Viewers: Availability might differ from one country to another; using a VPN might help circumvent the block if you are traveling or unable to access your regular streaming service.
In the UK, however, the match will not be live because of the traditional 3 p.m. blackout rule applicable to English football matches.
Conclusion
Chelsea wants to avoid an upset against low-league opposition, while fans can expect an intriguing clash at Stamford Bridge. As both teams want a positive outcome—Chelsea seeking redemption and Morecambe out for an upset that would be massive—this is more than just an FA Cup encounter.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Streaming availability may vary based on location and service subscriptions. Always check local listings for the most accurate broadcast information.
