Chelsea have booked their place in the FA Cup fourth round thanks to an emphatic 5-0 win over Morecambe, with Tosin Adarabioyo and Joao Felix scoring twice in addition to Christopher Nkunku’s goal.
Morecambe goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne did make an excellent penalty save from Nkunku but his resistance was finally broken shortly before half-time as he could do nothing about Adarabioyo’s speculative effort that took a deflection off Callum Jones on its way into the net. Just like that the visitors’ resistance was broken and the lead was doubled early in the second half as Nkunku atoned for his penalty miss by slamming the ball home from close range after another good Burgoyne save.
As the League Two side tired, the Premier League giants’ quality shone through. Adarabioyo netted his second of the afternoon with a stunning whipped effort into the top corner before Joao Felix took centre stage with a quickfire double of his own - including a stunning strike - to ensure the Blues are in the hat for Sunday’s fourth round draw.
Chelsea vs Morecambe latest news
- GOAL! Joao Felix scores again
- GOAL! Joao Felix makes it four
- GOAL! Tosin stunner finishes the tie
- GOAL! Nkunku puts Blues in control
- GOAL! Tosin scores with deflected effort
- PENALTY MISSED: Nkunku sees effort saved
Chelsea player ratings
17:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJoao Felix 8
Can frustrate, but was Chelsea’s most likely source of an opening in the first-half. Showed class with two brilliant long-range efforts after the break.
Pedro Neto 6
One terrific burst from inside his own half early on, but then found space to run hard to come by. Replaced at the break, presumably with a view to Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Marc Guiu 5
Teenager’s first non-European start for the club but largely crowded out, bar one shot into the side-netting.
Read our full player ratings here!
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe
16:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFT: No injury time played.
Easy win for Chelsea as they beat Morecambe 5-0 to reach the FA Cup fourth round.
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe
16:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne88 min: Credit to Morecambe, even at 5-0 down they are still trying to score.
Ball falls kindly to Macadam but he blazes his effort over the bar.
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: Very professional from Chelsea here as they’re not giving Morecambe much whilst still trying to add to their lead.
Though Hope races through but messes up his finish.
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe
16:43 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: More Morecambe changes.
Hope and Taylor get a runout at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe
16:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne78 min: OFF THE LINE
Morecambe almost get their goal but Axel Disasi clears the ball off the line following another nervy moment from Jorgensen.
GOAL! Chelsea 5-0 Morecambe | Joao Felix '77
16:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: WHAT A STRIKE
Joao Felix makes it five with an incredible finish. Unstoppable effort!
GOAL! Chelsea 4-0 Morecambe | Joao Felix '75
16:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Chelsea are running riot now as Joao Felix’s effort creeps into the bottom corner.
15 minutes left and you begin to fear for Morecambe.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
16:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Have Chelsea unlocked a secret weapon here? Tosin Adarabioyo is on a hat-trick!
GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Morecambe | Tosin Adarabioyo '71
16:34 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: GAME OVER
Tosin Adarabioyo is on a hat-trick as he finds the back of the net with another long range effort.
This one however, was sweetly struck as he whipped the ball into the top corner.
Chelsea 2-0 Morecambe
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: Lewis and Macadam are on for Morecambe.
Chelsea 2-0 Morecambe
16:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: JUST WIDE
Christopher Nkunku flicks the corner on at the near post but Axel Disasi can’t turn it home at the back post.
Another rehearsed set-piece from Chelsea.
Chelsea 2-0 Morecambe
16:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Thought that was in! And so did many inside Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella receives the ball on the half turn and his snap shot is just wide.
Chelsea 2-0 Morecambe
16:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: First chance for Slew to run at Malo Gusto. In fairness to the Morecambe forward he gets to the byline but his final ball is poor as Jorgensen gathers the ball in.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
16:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: It feels like that goal so early in the second half has sucked a bit of the life out of the tie and Chelsea’s intensity. Morecambe are enjoying a decent little spell.
Chelsea 2-0 Morecambe
16:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: Morecambe have made a change as Slew is on for Dackers.
Joao Felix is inches away from making it 3-0 but his curling effort is just too high.
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Morecambe | Christopher Nkunku '50
16:14 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: CHELSEA DOUBLE THEIR LEAD
It’s the perfect start to the second half for the hosts as Christopher Nkunku slams the ball home from close range.
Excellent play from Marc Cucurella in the build up too.
Chelsea 1-0 Morecambe
16:07 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella, Jadon Sancho and Malo Gusto are on in place of Romeo Lavia, Pedro Neto and Reece James.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
16:04 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMarc Cucurella, Jadon Sancho and Malo Gusto all coming on at half-time. Suspect they may all be pre-planned changes.
HT: Chelsea 1-0 Morecambe
15:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd there goes the half-time whistle. Just the one goal so far and it’s come from an unexpected source as Tosin Adarabioyo’s deflected effort is the difference.
Morecambe goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne had earlier saved a penalty from Christopher Nkunku.
Chelsea 1-0 Morecambe
15:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+3 min: Good wing play from Pedro Neto as he goes on the outside and pulls the ball into a dangerous area.
However, there’s no Chelsea player on hand.
Chelsea 1-0 Morecambe
15:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne44 min: It’s all Chelsea with the half-time whistle not too far away.
Tosin Adarabioyo has come close to scoring again but this long range effort drifted just wide of the post.
Four minutes of added time to play.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Tosin was almost apologetic both in taking that shot on and then watching it fly in. Such hard luck for Morecambe.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Morecambe | Tosin Adarabioyo '39
15:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne39 min: CHELSEA LEAD
Chelsea's pressure finally pays off as Tosin Adarabioyo scores.
It was a speculative effort from the defender and his effort took a deflection off Morecambe's Callum Jones on its way into the net.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne38 min: Christopher Nkunku rises highest but can’t keep his header on target.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne37 min: A few Chelsea substitutes out warming up now, including Jadon Sancho and Marc Cucurella. From the intensity of the conversations the coaching staff are having, I’d say they might be more than just warding off the chill.
Expect half-time changes if something doesn’t happen fast.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: Dackers is down and requiring treatment after being on the receiving end of a rather poor challenge from Renato Veiga.
The Chelsea defender leaned into the Morecambe striker who was in the air.
Luckily, Dackers is up and looks fine to continue.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:37 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Before kick-off I thought it a bit strange that Marecsa had named such a strong bench, rather than including some more academy lads. The way this is going, I’d say he’s pretty glad.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: Morecambe aren’t just sitting back, Dackers forces Jorgensen into a save and the Chelsea goalkeeper had to be at full stretch as Tollitt was lurking at the back post.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne32 min: We’ve passed the half hour mark, that’s another checkpoint ticked for Morecambe.
Can they get to half-time level with Chelsea?
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:32 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne29 min: Axel Disasi is not having a good afternoon. He’s missed two very good chances and now punts a pass straight behind for a goal-kick under no pressure.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Another save from Harry Burgoyne as he tips Joao Félix’s effort away for a corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne23 min: Morecambe will be very happy at the midway point of the first-half.
Still level, penalty saved and they’ve offered a threat in attack.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMorecambe’s planned protest doesn’t quite pack the predicted punch. There are a smattering of people turning their backs and some chants against the ownership, but the vast majority stay glued to the game.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:21 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe referee and linesman stood staring at each other for a good few seconds there, as if desperately hoping the other would make the decision. It was an absolute stonewaller, though, with Songo’o charging at Felix like a rugby full-back.
Fair to say Burgoyne made full use of the lack of VAR in terms of his positioning on his line. Wasn’t a great penalty either, but what a moment for Morecambe.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne17 min: PENALTY SAVED
What a save from Harry Burgoyne as he guesses correctly to keep out Christopher Nkunku’s effort.
However, the keeper was off his line. Had VAR been in operation, that would have been retaken.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: PENALTY
Chelsea have been awarded a penalty as Yann Songo’o handles the ball.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:17 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneI’m enjoying watching Marcus Dackers here, the six-foot-seven-inch striker who is winning every header, albeit without much command of where the ball goes next.
He’s clearly got the physical attributes - but a record this season of 26 appearances and no goals is not great for a centre-forward…
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne13 min: POST!
Chelsea are inches away from taking the lead as Tosin Adarabioyo’s header from a corner comes back off the woodwork.
Narrow escape for the League Two side.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Tyrique George gets involved as he fizzes the ball across the six-yard box but there’s not a single Chelsea player on hand for a simple tap-in.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: This has been a promising start from the League Two side as Tollitt causes problems down the right.
At the other end, the Blues win a corner as Joao Felix’s effort is deflected behind.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
15:08 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea’s shape here is extraordinary. They’ve got Renato Veiga inverting into midfield alongside Lavia in possession and then they’ve got five forwards all pushed high up and across the width of the pitch.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne3 min: Fantastic play from Pedro Neto as he charges down the right, skipping past a couple of challenges in the process but his final pass is cut out.
At the other end, Tollitt cuts inside and forces a decent save from Jorgensen.
Chelsea 0-0 Morecambe
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Early chance for Chelsea as Axel Disasi heads Reece James’ free-kick over the bar.
KICK-OFF!
15:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway in this FA Cup third round clash.
Gianluca Vialli honoured
14:59 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere’s a huge banner making its way across The Shed in honour of Gianluca Vialli, who passed away two years ago last week.
FA Cup rule change
14:54 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe FA Cup rules have changed this season. Replays have been scrapped from the first round onwards, with a winner determined on the day of the ties.
So, if the scores are level after 90 minutes tonight, a period of 30 minutes of extra time will be played with a penalty shootout to follow if a winner can not be found in that time.
Not long now!
14:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLess than 10 minutes to go until kick-off at Stamford Bridge!
Maresca on James and Lavia returning
14:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne“It’s great news for us. Finally they are both back. They are important players since we started,” Enzo Maresca said. “It is our target that they can be with us until the end of the season without any injuries.
“Also at this moment it’s good because we give them a chance to get minutes and get fit.”
No VAR this afternoon
14:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneVAR will not be in operation during Chelsea and Morecambe's FA Cup third round tie at Stamford Bridge.
In fact, VAR will not feature in the competition until round five.
'Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards,’ the FA confirmed in a statement.
'It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.
'VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation.
'This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.'
Around the grounds...
14:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNine FA Cup third round ties have already taken place. Routine win for Liverpool as Graham Potter suffers defeat in his first game as West Ham manager.
Everton 2-0 Peterborough
Fulham 4-1 Watford
Sheffield United 0-1 Cardiff City
Wycombe 2-0 Portsmouth
Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham
Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn
Birmingham 2-1 Lincoln
Bristol City 1-2 Wolves
Liverpool 4-0 Accrington Stanley
Chilwell absence explained
14:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEnzo Maresca says he did not talk to Ben Chilwell before deciding to deny him a potential Chelsea farewell against Morecambe this weekend.
Maresca confirmed on Friday that Chilwell, along with midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei, would play no part at Stamford Bridge because of the likelihood that he will leave the club this month.
Chelsea changes
14:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMake that 10 changes to the Chelsea side that drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace last weekend as Pedro Neto is the only player to keep his place.
Reece James and Romeo Lavia are back after injury as Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and Marc Guiu all start.
Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at Stamford Bridge
14:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneReece James and Romeo Lavia are back for Chelsea as Enzo Maresca names an attacking lineup.
🗣 "Good news is that the likes of Reece James and Romeo Lavia are both back after injuries."@MalikOuzia_ gives his thoughts on the Chelsea team news!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 11, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/p6om3CS3mc#CHEMOR | #CFC | #FACup pic.twitter.com/fAj0CDHs5J
Morecambe team in full
14:13 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMorecambe XI: Burgoyne; Hendrie, Williams, Stott, Tutonda; White, Jones; Tollitt, Songo'o, Edwards; Dackers
Subs: Scales, Taylor, Lewis, Macadam, Slew, Lewis, Dobson, Hope, Angol
Chelsea team in full
14:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea XI: Jorgensen; James (c), Disasi, Tosin, Veiga; Lavia, Joao Felix; Neto, Nkunku, George; Guiu
Substitutes: Sanchez, Gusto, Acheampong, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernandez, Palmer, Sancho, Jackson
Morecambe team news
14:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for the visitors...
Here is how we line up for our @EmiratesFACup Third Round clash against @ChelseaFC.#UTS 🦐 | #CHEvMOR pic.twitter.com/fUFUYnB9gE
— Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) January 11, 2025
Chelsea XI
14:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere’s how Chelsea lineup this afternoon...
Team news is in! 🔵✊#CFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/z8JV08uRk4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 11, 2025
Team news imminent
13:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneReece James, Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho are among the big names spotted arriving at Stamford Bridge.
We are expecting the team news to be announced shortly.
Stay tuned...
Maresca pleased with reaction
13:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea boss Enzo Maresca has reason for encouragement ahead of this afternoon's FA Cup third round tie against Morecambe.
Despite seeing his side fail to win in four, the Italian says the reason from his players has been "very good".
"The reaction is not weird or strange," Maresca told reporters. "The reaction is a good one.
"Even in the last game against Palace that we drew, the mood was not the best in the changing room at the final whistle because they have the desire to win all the games. This is something very good."
In the building...
13:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Blues are back home for the first time in 2025.
We will have team news in around 15 minutes...
This Bridge is our home. 🏡🔵#CFC | #EmiratesFACup
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 11, 2025
A message from the captain
13:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMorecambe captain Yann Songo'o has urged his teammates to show belief as they target a monumental cup upset this afternoon.
Looking to give our all at Stamford Bridge 💯#UTS 🦐 | #CHEvMOR
— Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) January 11, 2025
Maresca makes Guehi admission
13:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEnzo Maresca has admitted his admiration for Chelsea transfer target Marc Guehi and has not ruled out a recall for Trevoh Chalobah.
The Blues could be forced into the transfer market this month for defensive additions with centre-back duo Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile both currently sidelined with long-term injuries.
Predicted Chelsea XI
13:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEnzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that both Reece James and Romeo Lavia are fit to play after their respective hamstring injuries.
However, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is out injured, while Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile remain long-term absentees.
That set of circumstances could pave the way for academy graduate Samuel Rak-Sakyi to start in midfield.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Jorgensen; James, Acheampong, Disasi, Veiga; Lavia, Rak-Sakyi; Madueke, Nkunku, Felix; Guiu
Chelsea transfer news
13:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCoventry City manager Frank Lampard is looking to raid former club Chelsea with a loan move for Sam Rak-Sakyi.
Talks are scheduled for next week after the West Midlands club made initial contact over a deal to take the 19-year-old on loan for the rest of the season.
Shooting practice
13:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea have certainly been wasteful in front of goal in their last four matches.
So it's no surprise there was an extra focus on shooting during yesterday's training session...
Target practice. 🎯@BingXOfficial | #EmpowerTheFuture #TrainingInsider pic.twitter.com/ouCjuxZ4oC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 10, 2025
Maresca offers Anselmino update
13:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAaron Anselmino will play no part in the game against Morecambe following his loan recall from Boca Juniors at the start of the month.
The teenage centre-back, who signed from Boca last summer before immediately being sent back to the Argentine outfit to continue his development, has been brought to Cobham in a bid to accelerate his adaptation to English football.
Setting the scene
13:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt may be blue skies, the sun may be shining but it is bitterly cold at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Derek Adams not expecting Chelsea surprise
13:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMorecambe manager Derek Adams doesn’t expect Enzo Maresca to go strong with his Chelsea lineup this afternoon.
“I don’t think they will field their strongest starting XI, I might be surprised," Adams told reporters. “The last time, Chelsea put out the strongest team they could on the day; it depends on what the manager thinks.
“Ironically, it’s my second time managing at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup third round and it’s his first time! They have quality players throughout their team. Whoever they play on the day, they have undoubted quality.
“I might rotate, just as Enzo might do with his squad. We haven’t decided yet, it’s a big decision for us.”
Chelsea vs Morecambe latest odds
13:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea to win: 1/50
Draw (after 90 minutes): 17/1
Morecambe to win: 60/1
Odds via Betfair and subject to change.
Chelsea vs Morecambe: Head to head (h2h) history and results
12:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea wins: 1
Draws: 0
Morecambe wins: 0
Chelsea won the only previous meeting between the two sides four years ago at this very stage.
Interestingly, the Blues' scorers that afternoon - Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz - are no longer at the club.
Standard Sport prediction
12:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt would be a major shock to see Chelsea slip up here.
The second string will be on show and should have no trouble dispatching the goal-shy Shrimps.
Chelsea to win, 3-0.
Morecambe team news
12:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMorecambe have Rhys Williams available after his loan spell from Liverpool was extended. The defender scored in the first round win over Worthing.
Chelsea team news
12:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBoth Reece James and Romeo Lavia will be available for this afternoon's tie.
Meanwhile, it would not be a surprise to see youngsters such as Josh Acheampong, Marc Guiu and Tyrique George start as Enzo Maresca continues his rotation policy in the cup competitions.
How to watch Chelsea vs Morecambe
12:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChelsea vs Morecambe has not been selected for live TV coverage in the UK today.
Live stream: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Welcome
12:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGood afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Chelsea vs Morecambe.
The Blues are heavy favourites for this FA Cup third round tie as they look to win the competition for the first time since 2018.
Kick-off from Stamford Bridge is at 3pm GMT.
