Opposition insight: Chelsea

Bron Jenkinson spoke with Chelsea content creator George Benson, ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Stamford Bridge. He gives some insight on the way Chelsea could approach the game and talks about the time he went to watch a Chesterfield game. George also predicts Chelsea’s starting XI for the big match! 

Who is George Benson?

George Benson is a YouTuber, content creator, and all-round social media influencer, as well as being a Chelsea superfan. The 27-year-old has been a supporter of Chelsea all his life and is now lucky enough to be creating content about the club as his job. He creates videos around the club, previewing, reviewing, and discussing all things Chelsea FC…

You can take a look at his YouTube Channel here: 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi18FONxJxZ2v8ljX2_ReiQ

George had over ONE MILLION subscribers on YouTube, before restarting his channel a few years ago, to pursue his passion for Chelsea FC and create content on the club that he loves. He is well recognised amongst the Chelsea fan base and has one of the largest fan channels in the country. 

We would like to say a massive thanks to George for agreeing to take part and for providing the Spireites faithful with some useful insight! 

Take a look at what he had to say…

How long have you been following Chelsea Football Club and creating content around them?

Having been making YouTube content for over ten years now, I only started making videos about Chelsea in the summer of 2019. I had explored a few different YouTube niches and figured one of the ones I hadn’t explored but had plenty to say was the Chelsea creator market. In terms of being a supporter, I’ve been following Chelsea my whole life, since I was old enough to know any better! My dad was always a big Chelsea fan who went to both home and away games following Chelsea before I was even born! 

How are Chelsea doing this season?

After an amazing start to the season, Chelsea have now taken one of our regular December stumbles – it seems to happen every single year! I think the key thing we have this season is the unity of this squad, winning the Champions League last season, and the fact we are still competing in all competitions this season. It means there is a lot for this very talented squad to fight for! 

What do you believe Chelsea’s aims are in the FA Cup this season?

As a fan, every single season from the third round I want Chelsea to go all out and simply win the Emirates FA Cup. Truthfully, if we keep getting home ties, I think we could go far! ?

What are you most looking forward to about the game?

I am excited for the battle of the CFCs! Funnily enough, I’ve seen Chesterfield play live before, when I went in the away end at Cheltenham about six years ago (sitting with the Chesterfield fans). I can’t remember what the exact score line was, but I know that Chesterfield battered Cheltenham that day. It was a cracking away end to be in, to be fair! 

How do you see Chelsea approaching the game?

I am excited to see if Tuchel rotates for this FA Cup game. I would love to see Harvey Vale and Jude Soonsup-Bell given some minutes after their impressive performances against Brentford in our Carabao Cup quarter-final. I also want Christian Pulisic to start again on left-wing, where he belongs! 

Do you think the Spireites faithful can expect to see any of Chelsea’s superstars?

Despite a lot of recent injuries in the squad, I do think the Spireites will see a strong Chelsea line-up, mixed in with one or two youth players. Either way, I expect an exciting Cup-tie as I totally understand the magnitude of this game for Chesterfield! 

Predicted Chelsea line-up?

My line up prediction is: Kepa Arrizabalaga, César Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Malang Sarr, Callum Hudon-Odoi, Marcus Alonso, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Saúl Ñíguez, Harvey Vale, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic. 

What do you know about Chesterfield FC?

I know that Chesterfield FC were founded in 1866. For some reason, I was obsessed with when clubs were founded when I was a kid and Chesterfield is one of the clubs that I have always been able to remember. 

Score prediction? 

My score prediction for the game is a 3-0 Chelsea win. I’m sorry to say it guys! I think we will have a strong team starting the game and we will want to go out and try and score. I must say best of luck to you though! I hope all the traveling Chesterfield fans enjoy their away day. Let’s just hope for a cracking Cup tie! 

Thanks again, George! 

https://twitter.com/mrgeorgebenson?s=21