Capital One Cup: Shrewsbury Town vs. Chelsea @ Greenhous Meadow
Tuesday, October 28 @ 7.45pm
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea will aim to keep their unbeaten record in all competitions this season intact when they travel to Shrewsbury in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup on tonight.
Coming only two days after Robin van Persie’s late equaliser robbed them of all three points against Manchester United the Blues will be hoping to avoid a famous cup upset at Greenhous Meadow.
Chelsea were unconvincing in their 2-1 third round victory at home to Bolton and Mourinho will be forced to delve deep into his squad for this tricky fixture.
Shrewsbury will be no pushovers and are in good form with four straight wins which has propelled them to within three points of top spot in League Two.
Following earlier cup wins against Premier League side Leicester City, as well as Championship outfits Blackpool and Norwich, the Shrews are sure to be fired up for one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.
Team news
Chelsea are likely to feature a much-changed side with Petr Cech expected to replace Sunday’s hero Thibaut Courtois in goal while promising Dutch defender Nathan Ake and Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah could get a chance to impress.
Loic Remy (groin injury), Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic (both suspended) are unavailable, but midfielder Ramires could return from a groin problem.
Star striker Diego Costa, who missed Sunday’s game at United, is unlikely to be risked while it will be interesting to see if Sunday’s goalscorer Didier Drogba will be rested after playing the full ninety minutes.
Former Republic of Ireland international Liam Lawrence and striker Andy Mangan both came off the bench in Shrewsbury’s weekend win, and both are likely to see some action against the Premiership leaders.
Star man: Nemanja Matic
Danger man: Conor Goldson
Last meeting: Chelsea 4 Shrewsbury Town 0 FA Cup February 11 2003
Picture courtesy of Brent Flanders, with thanks
