Capital One Cup · Round 3 - Swindon Town vs Chelsea

The day's hosts completed a duo of wins in the first two rounds of the competition to get here - one a 1-nil win against Torquay United, the other a 2-nil victory over bitter Chelsea rivals QPR at Loftus
Road - and in this Third Round have been rewarded with a glamour draw against high-flyers Chelsea.











The Blues, of course, made it to the semifinals of this competition in last season's mercurial campaign under beleaguered manager Rafa Benitez, only to be beaten 2-0 on aggregate by eventual-winners Swansea, under legendary boss Michael Laudrup











Chelsea manager Mourinho is a 2-time winner of this competition - indeed, the Carling Cup was the first piece of silverware the decorated boss won in his first stint at Chelsea, eventually becoming the gambit to a glorious haul of 5 trophies in 3 years, including 2 Premiership titles, 2 League Cups, and an FA Cup. The Portuguese will doubtless be looking to repeat such a feat this time around, and picking up yet another pot to add to his and Chelsea's CVs mid-way through the season will certainly be in his sights.











One connection between these two clubs is Glenn Hoddle, who left his position as Swindon Town player-manager to become Chelsea player-manager in 1993, succeeding Blues legend David Webb in Ken Bates' Stamford Bridge hotseat.











The League Cup is notorious for being a competition many of the 'bigger' side gives their youth and fringe players a run-out in, and it's highly likely we'll see some of the members of the Chelsea squad who've thus far found themselves on the outskirts of the first team this season being given a chance to show what they can offer in Tuesday's match.











Nevertheless, another injury-free 90 minutes as Chelsea triumphed 2-0 over West London neighbours Fulham on Saturday means José Mourinho will once again likely have a full squad to select from.

Schwarzer

Azpi Ivan Luiz Bertrand

Essien MvG

KDB------ Mata----- Willian

BA

Rebelles.REUS.rex wrote:         Schwarzer

   Azpi Ivan Luiz Bertrand

         Essien MvG

KDB------ Mata----- Willian

               BA

Looks pretty spot on. Maybe we'll see Kalas as well.

Mhm. Looks very close to what I'd expect.

Actually, Jose has said that this will likely be our lineup:


probably Ivanovic to play CB with Luiz but could be Kalas.

Eh, either would be fine for me

As long as we get minutes for the rest of the squad I'll be happy

Certainly, I think that is assured though, Soul.

Lewis Baker not in the squad at all for the U21s' match this evening.


Involved in tomorrow's game?

That would be great, he does deserve a call up IMO.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/23/chelsea-juan-mata-swindon-cup

The emphasis will be on the fringe players this time with Kalas, 20 and recovered from a broken foot, and Mark Schwarzer set for their first competitive appearances while Willian, Kevin de Bruyne and Marco van Ginkel also seek to make a favourable impression.

Guardian suggesting Kalas is not only available, but also set to start

I certainly think we'll see him play.

Lew Baker set to be on the bench tonight

CHELSEA XI: Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, D Luiz, Cahill, Bertrand; Essien (c), Van Ginkel; De Bruyne, Mata, Willian; Torres


SUBS: Terry, Ramires, Baker, Schurrle, Ba, Eto’o

Kinky coming off injured


Ramires on in his place.

20 minutes in and, apart from Luiz's free-kick, the Swindon goal hasn't been threatened once. Poor performance thus far.

Torres


Blows 1v1 sitter

GOOOOOAAAAAAALLL!!


Torres redeems himself minutes later by finishing off Juan Mata's shot that was going just wide.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!!



Brilliant finish from Ramires off a great ball from Torres doubles the lead

hows Mata playing so far?

Now Ramires, having been subbed ON, is now subbed OFF. Injured

Swindon have the ball in the net, but the flag is up. Clear correct call.

Ba coming on for DeBruyne for our last substitution. No debut for Baker then. Injuries to blame

Damn injuries to both ginkel and Ramires??? Does essien and mikel sound like a good combo?

FT: Swindon Town 0-2 Chelsea