Blackburn v Chelsea : Preview

Tonight Chelsea travel to Blackburn for the Carling Cup quarter finals at Ewood Park and I have a feeling that the side that takes to the field tonight could be very different to the side that took the field at the Emirates last Sunday.

Ray Wilkins has said before the game:

"We certainly approach every game to win it and we'll be doing the same tomorrow evening. We would love to be in the Final of the Carling Cup, it's the first trophy of the season and one we want to win so we'll be going all out tomorrow to do that. Most certainly the side will be mixed up but it will be a very strong side, no question"

Wilkins confirmed that Daniel Sturridge, Bosingwa and Alex are the only three out of contention for the start tonight and went onto add that the much talked about Gael Kakuta could feature tonight. He said:

"'Gael will be in the squad, you saw a snippet of him a couple of weeks ago. He's a very talented young man but obviously we have to nurture that along, as we do a couple of other very talented young guys as well. Gael will be in the squad tomorrow and we'll see where we go. He has a great work ethic and is prepared to listen and work at his game, and that's nice to see.'

Thats one thing with Chelsea this season, our squad is strong and we can rotate players and still field side filled with World Class players. Tonight for example, Lampard and Joe Cole could be rested allowing Deco and Michael Ballack to come into the side.. Not bad replacements eh?.

I for one feel that Lamps will want to start the game tonight to get his fitness back after missing two games but Carlo may decide to rest him ahead of another important game at the weekend. I can see Ashley Cole getting a rest after he came off at the Emirates with a strain so I predict we will start as follows..

Cech, Belletti, Ivanovic, Terry, Ferreira, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Deco, Kalou, Drogba.

Tonight we come up against a Blackburn side who are decent at home but they are without David Dunn which will be a blow to them. Franco Di Santo again is not allowed to play against us so Jason Roberts will more than likely start up front on his own.

Once again tonigth will be about the opposition and how they will cope with our midfield. If they flood the midfield to contain us then it will leave Roberts isloated and our defence will have a quiet night. The key for Chelsea tonight is to take possession of the ball and keep it and take the sting out of Blackburn. If we can get on the ball early and create one or two chances then I feel we will score before half time and will be comfortable.

I know I am biased like the rest of you but I really can't see anything but a Chelsea win tonight and by 2 or 3 goals. Let's hope we get the result, get a good performance and come out of the game with no injuries ahead of the weekend!

Come on the blue boys!!