Chelsea’s
Capital One Cup campaign continues as they face a potentially tricky trip to
high-flying Championship side Derby in the last eight.
Jose Mourinho’s men scraped past Shrewsbury in the last round, relying on a
late own goal to send them through with a 2-1 victory over the League Two
outfit.
Derby, meanwhile, hammered Fulham 5-2 and are in great shape at the top end
of the Championship, sitting third in the table and a point off the top.
Steve McClaren’s side were well beaten by Middlesbrough at the weekend, but
the Rams have only lost once at home so far this season.
Chelsea bounced back from their first defeat of the season at Newcastle as
they saw off 10-man Hull on Saturday. The Blues are still in the hunt for
four trophies and Mourinho will be desperate to ensure there are no slip-ups
at the iPro Stadium.
Team news
Derby will be without Ryan Shotton after the defender was sent off in
Saturday's 2-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium.
The Rams have no injury concerns heading into the tie, but McClaren may
decide to rotate his squad with Leon Best, Will Hughes and Jordan Ibe
pushing for selection.
Cesc Fabregas is available for Chelsea after missing the victory over Hull
through suspension, while Petr Cech is expected to keep his place in between
the posts.
The goalkeeper has played both of the Blues’ Capital One Cup games so far
and is likely to start again, with Thibaut Courtois still recovering from a
minor muscle injury.
Opta facts
Derby have lost seven and won none of their last eight clashes with Chelsea
in all competitions.
Chelsea have won 14 and lost none of their last 16 Capital One Cup games
against lower ranked sides; a run that goes back to 1999.
Didier Drogba has scored seven goals in his last eight Capital One Cup
appearances.
The Blues have been eliminated in three of their last four quarter-final
ties in the Capital One Cup.
Chris Martin has had a hand in six goals in his last six Capital One Cup
matches (five goals, one assist).
Andre Schurrle has attempted more shots without scoring than any other
player in this year’s competition (16, inc. blocked).
Niall Quinn’s Prediction
McClaren hopes his side can bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to
Middlesbrough
“I have seen Chelsea play in cup competitions away from home this season and
last time I saw them they were breathtaking in Schalke. If they turn it on
it’s going to be an incredibly tough ask for Derby. No matter what side
Chelsea put out they are not going to give away anything cheaply and Derby
will really have to earn the right to be in the game and to have a fighting
chance. They will have to work really hard and the majority of the players
will have to have 9/10 performances.”
top