Gonzalo
Higuain could make his Chelsea debut in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash
with Sheffield Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
The 31-year-old striker completed his loan move from Juventus on Thursday
and has been backed to hit the ground running with the Blues.
Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola said on Friday: "We're talking about
a player who has scored not only in Italy but everywhere, also in the
Champions League.
"I'm sure he can handle expectations. He's always produced good numbers
wherever he's been. We're going to help Higuain to get his goals."
However, a decision is yet to be made on whether Higuain will feature
against Sheffield Wednesday.
Zola added: "There are players who need to be rested and it could be an
opportunity."
Meanwhile, interim Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Agnew said Sunday's cup
clash against Chelsea could not have been more timely for the club.
The Owls' trip to Stamford Bridge will be Agnew's last game in charge before
he starts his role as Steve Bruce's assistant at Hillsborough.
"It's an amazing football club Sheffield Wednesday, fantastic fan-base and
they will be very vocal on Sunday evening," he added.
"I don't think anybody involved in Sheffield Wednesday needs reminding
because everybody realises how big the club is and the potential it has.
"But maybe a reminder to the rest of the football world that Sheffield
Wednesday are playing in a huge game."
Team news
Chelsea changes are likely and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be available
following a back problem.
However, outgoing duo Victor Moses and Alvaro Morata are not likely to be
considered.
Fernando Forestieri could return for the visitors following injury.
However, defender Matt Penney faces a spell on the sidelines after
undergoing shoulder surgery.
Opta stats
This is the 124th meeting in all competitions between Chelsea and Sheffield
Wednesday but first since April 2000, a 1-0 win for the Owls at Hillsborough
in the Premier League.
Sheffield Wednesday have been eliminated from eight of their 10 FA Cup ties
with Chelsea, last knocking them out in the 1965-66 semi-final.
Chelsea have progressed from 47 of their last 49 FA Cup ties against
non-Premier League sides, losing in March 2008 against Barnsley and January
2015 against Bradford City.
Sheffield Wednesday are facing the holders of the FA Cup for the first time
since the 1955-56 campaign, when they lost 1-3 against Newcastle in the
third round.
Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud has had a hand in seven goals in his last
four FA Cup appearances against sides from outside the top-flight (5 goals,
2 assists), scoring in each of his last four appearances, including one for
Chelsea against Hull.
Merson's prediction
Higuain should get a start which will lift the crowd. I cannot see any
problems for Chelsea.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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