Chelsea is set to face Blackburn Rovers in an exciting fourth-round clash of the EFL Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Match Preview
The five-time EFL Cup winners, Chelsea, will be looking to regain their form after a disappointing defeat in a West London derby against Brentford over the weekend.
Despite showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, Chelsea’s loss against Brentford has pushed them back into the bottom half of the Premier League.
In the previous round of the competition, Chelsea’s win against Brighton & Hove Albion kickstarted a three-game winning streak under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, their draw against Arsenal and accumulating only 12 points from 10 matches have placed them in a precarious position.
To avoid further pressure on Pochettino, Chelsea must not underestimate Blackburn Rovers in what could potentially become a challenging cup tie.
Although Chelsea struggled to find inspiration in their victory against AFC Wimbledon in the second round, it is worth noting that they have only lost once to lower-league opponents in the past 15 years.
However, progressing beyond this stage has proven to be difficult for Chelsea in recent seasons, with four eliminations at the fourth-round stage in the last eight years.
Blackburn Rovers, under the management of Jon Dahl Tomasson, has shown contrasting performances this season.
With nine wins, seven losses, and one draw in 17 games, Blackburn has had an impressive run in the Championship.
In the EFL Cup, Blackburn has showcased their goal-scoring prowess by defeating Walsall 4-3 in round one, Harrogate Town 8-0 in round two, and Cardiff City 5-2 in the previous round.
Last season, Blackburn’s cup run ended at the fourth round when they were knocked out by Nottingham Forest, another Premier League team.
Although Blackburn’s league form has improved after a slow start, their recent loss to Swansea City halted their three-game winning streak.
Currently placed 12th in the Championship, Blackburn remains just four points away from a playoff spot.
Team News:
Chelsea may opt to make some changes to their lineup, considering their upcoming clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Thiago Silva is likely to be rested due to his age, allowing Malo Gusto or Reece James to feature as right-back with Axel Disasi moving into the center.
Chelsea’s defensive options are limited with Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell, and Wesley Fofana unavailable.
Mykhaylo Mudryk could be kept fresh for the next game, giving Noni Madueke another opportunity to start.
Enzo Fernandez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Romeo Lavia, and Christopher Nkunku are also expected to be absent.
Blackburn Rovers is expected to field a strong lineup, similar to their previous EFL Cup victory over Cardiff City.
Youngsters Andrew Moran and Jake Garrett, who scored three goals in that game, may be given a chance to start.
Harry Leonard recently returned from injury, but Sam Gallagher, Lewis Travis, and Aynsley Pears are still a couple of weeks away from a comeback. Ryan Hedges remains a long-term absentee.
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea:
- Sanchez;
- Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella;
- Ugochukwu, Gallagher, Caicedo;
- Madueke, Jackson, Maatsen
Blackburn Rovers:
- Wahlstedt;
- Rankin-Costello, Hill, Carter, Pickering;
- Tronstad, Garrett, Moran;
- Markanday, Dolan, Szmodics
Prediction:
Despite Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League this season, their track record against lower-league opponents gives them an advantage.
We predict a 2-0 victory for Chelsea, but Blackburn Rovers could pose a threat with their impressive goal-scoring abilities.
