The FA Cup's magic is about to unfold as Liam Rosenior takes charge of Chelsea for the first time! But will it be a dream start or a nightmare debut?
Rosenior's Chelsea journey begins at Charlton Athletic, a fixture you can follow live on ESPN. It's a tale of contrasting fortunes as the new manager aims to steer the club back on course after a turbulent start to 2026.
The year began with the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day, leaving Chelsea in the hands of interim boss Calum McFarlane. A dramatic draw against Manchester City was followed by a midweek defeat to Fulham, leaving fans eager for a fresh start.
And a fresh start it is, with Rosenior taking the reins. He witnessed the Fulham loss from the stands, but now steps onto the touchline for his first game in charge.
On paper, it's a favorable debut for the former Strasbourg manager. Charlton Athletic, languishing in 19th place in the Championship, haven't won a game since December 20th. But here's where it gets intriguing: lower-league teams often find an extra gear in the FA Cup, as Maccesfield's win over Crystal Palace earlier today demonstrated.
So, will Rosenior's Chelsea cruise to victory, or will Charlton spring a surprise? Tune in to ESPN for live updates and be part of this captivating football story!
