Chelsea will take on Morecambe in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, 11 January in what could turn out to be one of the all-time great shocks should the visitors pull off the unthinkable.
The hosts come into the match not in the best of form after failing to win any of their four most recent matches but they should have more than enough to get past Morecambe.
Morecambe, meanwhile, have lost five of their last seven matches which isn't exactly the best preparation for a trip to Stamford Bridge.
As part of our latest round of FA Cup betting tips, here is our Chelsea vs Morecambe prediction.
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Chelsea vs Morecambe prediction: A rout on the cards
Key Stats
- Morecambe have never beaten a Premier League side in the FA Cup before.
- Chelsea have come through 35 of their last 36 FA Cup matches against lower-league opposition.
- Joao Felix has scored four goals in five Conference League matches this season and thrives against weaker opponents.
Correct score prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Morecambe
Chelsea's Europa Conference League line-up is expected to start at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and so far, they have won all three of their home matches in that competition by an aggregate score of 17-3. The Blues could quite easily put a hatful past Morecambe and four could end up looking like an underestimation.
Pre-game odds and win probability: The hosts start as favourites
- HOME: 1/33 (1.03) – 97.1%
- DRAW: 20/1 (21.00) – 4.8%
- AWAY: 45/1 (46.00) – 2.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Chelsea vs Morecambe odds paint the perfect picture in regards to how big the gulf in quality is between these two teams. Ladbrokes have given Chelsea a massive 97.1% chance of winning the match inside 90 minutes on Saturday while Morecambe have been given just a 2.2% chance of victory.
It's important to remember that with replays now a thing of the past, backing the draw means you think the match will go to extra time and potentially penalties.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A second-ever meeting
This will be just the second meeting in history between Chelsea and Morecambe with the only other head-to-head coming four years ago at this same stage of the FA Cup. On that occasion, Chelsea ran out as 4-0 winners.
England FA Cup 10/01/21
Chelsea
Morecambe
Chelsea preview: A chance to flex their muscles
This game has come at the perfect time for Chelsea in a number of ways. Firstly, it gives their fringe players a chance to show what they've got and regain match sharpness ahead of the Europa Conference League knockout rounds. Secondly, it gives them a golden opportunity to get back to winning ways after their recent winless streak.
Predicted lineup: Jorgensen (GK), James, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Chilwell, Veiga, Chukwuemeka, Madueke, Felix, Nkunku, Guiu
England Premier League 13/04/25
D
Ipswich
2
Chelsea
2
UEFA Conference League 10/04/25
W
Legia Warsaw
0
Chelsea
3
England Premier League 06/04/25
D
Brentford
0
Chelsea
0
England Premier League 03/04/25
W
Tottenham
0
Chelsea
1
England Premier League 16/03/25
L
Arsenal
1
Chelsea
0
Morecambe preview: A free hit
The stress of battling to stay in the Football League is unfathomable so the opportunity to take that weight off their shoulders by playing Premier League opposition is one they will welcome. This is a free hit in every sense for the visitors so they will go down swinging.
Predicted lineup: Burgoyne (GK), Hendrie, Williams, Stott, Lewis, White, Jones, Tollitt, Songo'o, Edwards, Slew
England League 2 12/04/25
L
Carlisle
2
Morecambe
0
England League 2 05/04/25
L
Grimsby
3
Morecambe
1
England League 2 01/04/25
W
Cheltenham
0
Morecambe
2
England League 2 29/03/25
W
Swindon
0
Morecambe
1
England League 2 22/03/25
L
Port Vale
1
Morecambe
0
Player to watch: Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku is rumoured to be looking for a way out of Chelsea due to a lack of game time in the Premier League. The Frenchman has an abundance of talent and if he does leave Stamford Bridge then it could turn out to be a transfer that the club come to regret. He has a golden opportunity to show all his skills on Saturday afternoon.