Chelsea will have little time to dwell on their FA Cup disappointment as they prepare for a swift return to the Amex Stadium on Friday night, this time with Premier League points at stake.

After being knocked out by Brighton at the weekend, the Blues have a perfect opportunity to exact revenge and boost his side’s league campaign.

However, if Chelsea are to turn the tables, Enzo Maresca may need to rethink his team selection—starting with the right-back position. Malo Gusto, who filled in for the absent Reece James, failed to impress in the FA Cup clash, leaving fans and pundits questioning his suitability for Maresca’s tactical demands.

Gusto’s natural ability as a traditional full-back was evident, but when asked to perform the inverted role that Maresca favours, the Frenchman looked uncomfortable and ineffective. His attacking contributions were wasteful, and he struggled to provide quality service from wide areas. This inconsistency has sparked speculation over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge, with some suggesting he could be moved on in the summer.

In contrast, young defender Josh Acheampong has been quietly making a name for himself within the first-team setup. Regularly included in the senior squad this season, Acheampong has demonstrated his versatility, comfortably operating both as a right-back and a centre-back. His adaptability makes him a strong candidate for Maresca’s system, where full-backs are expected to invert into midfield during build-up play.

Starting Acheampong against Brighton could be a game-changing decision. Not only would it give the promising youngster valuable Premier League experience, but it would also allow Reece James additional time to recover fully from his injury without rushing back into action. Acheampong’s ability to handle defensive and tactical responsibilities could provide the balance Chelsea need in a high-stake fixture.