Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The fourth round of the EFL Cup is set to be underway

While it might have appeared that Chelsea had turned a real corner on either side of October’s international break, the Blues certainly came crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion over the weekend. Putting in a toothless display at Stamford Bridge as they eventually slumped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of West London rivals Brentford.  Still battling it out in the bottom half of the Premier League table, Chelsea will know that they can’t afford another public slip-up here. Handed what many have billed as a golden EFL Cup opportunity on Wednesday night, Pochettino will simply be calling on a routine performance.

As for the visitors, watching their eye-catching flurry come to an abrupt end over the weekend thanks to a shock 1-0 loss at home against Swansea, Blackburn will be seeking an immediate response here. They will not be the favourites to win the match but they will be giving their full efforts.

Kick-Off:

Wednesday, 1 Nov, 2023, 07:45 PM (GMT), 03:45 PM (EST)

02-11-23; 01:15 AM (IST)

Form

Chelsea Form (All Competitions): L-W-W-W-D-L

Blackburn Rovers Form (All Competitions): L-L-W-W-W-L

Players to watch

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

Sterling plays as a winger, attacking midfielder or striker, though he is more comfortable as a natural winger. Known for his pace, low centre of gravity, and dribbling skills, despite his small stature, he also possesses considerable upper-body strength, which aids him in withstanding challenges and retaining possession.

Sondre Tronstad (Blackburn Rovers)

The Norwegian international is a key player for Rovers as he is the heart of the midfield and will be very crucial for the match. He is known for his strong leadership on the pitch and awareness. A fan favourite, Tronstad will be a player that Pochetino's men should be aware of.

Match Facts

• The most common result of matches between Chelsea FC and Blackburn Rovers when Chelsea FC is playing at home is 1-2. 3 matches have ended with this result.
• Blackburn Rovers haven't won any of their last 4 games against Chelsea FC.
• Blackburn Rovers's last away win against Chelsea FC was in 2003.

Injury and Team News

While summer recruit Christopher Nkunku might be inching towards a return from his long-term knee injury, the former RB Leipzig star will not feature on Wednesday night. Likewise, dealing with a stacked injury list in west London, Chelsea will also be without the likes of Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and ex-Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka. However, making yet another cameo appearance against Brentford over the weekend, skipper Reece James could be set to make a first competitive start since the opening weekend here.

Dealing with a calf issue and not making a single appearance since the middle of September, Blackburn will once again be without the services of former Southampton striker Sam Gallagher on Wednesday night. Likewise, 25-year-old Aynsley Pears is still suffering from a foot injury and will not travel to Stamford Bridge in midweek.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 20

Chelsea: 16

Blackburn Rovers: 1

Draws: 3

Predicted Lineup for Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez; Silva, Colwill, James, Disasi, Gallagher, Caicedo, Palmer, Sterling, Jackson, Madueke

Blackburn Rovers Predicted Lineup (4-5-1):

Wahlstedt; Carter, Hill, Hyam, Pickering, Tronstad, Brittain, Costello, Szmodics, Sigurosson, Dolan

Match Prediction for Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers

Crashing back down to earth over the weekend as they were hit with a 2-0 defeat at home against west London rivals Brentford, Chelsea will be desperate to claim an immediate response here. While Pochettino’s squad might have shown some rather glaring recent issues at Stamford Bridge, the Premier League heavyweights are rightfully tipped as a standout contender on Wednesday night. Knowing that they have been handed a golden chance to punch their EFL Cup quarter-final ticket here.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Blackburn Rovers

Telecast for Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers

India: Fancode

UK: Sky Sports

USA: fubo TV, NBC Sports

Nigeria: DSTV, Gotv