The Big Preview - Derby v Chelsea

Article by Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

FA CUP 3RD ROUND – IPRO STADIUM, SUNDAY 5TH JANUARY 2014

Summary

Chelsea begin their FA Cup campaign with a tricky fixture against in form Derby County at the iPro Stadium on Sunday. The east midlands outfit, led by former England manager Steve McClaren, have been in good form of late, and currently sit fourth in the Championship. The Rams are also the leading scorers in the Championship with 48 goals. The Blues have also been in good recent form, recording three straight wins in the Premiership following a creditable draw at Arsenal.

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History

Chelsea have not failed to get past the third round since a 3-5 reverse to Manchester United in 1998, and indeed have won the FA Cup five times in the interim period. Barnsley were the last team from outside the Premiership to defeat Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2008. The teams last met in the FA Cup in 1988 at the Baseball Ground with Chelsea winning 3-1 with goals from Kevin McAllister, Roy Wegerle and Kerry Dixon. The sides last met in a competitive fixture at Pride Park in November 2007 with The Blues winning 2-0 with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Saloman Kalou on target. Chelsea won the return fixture 6-1 with Frank Lampard scoring four times.

Team News

Both teams are likely to make changes to their regular line-ups for this tie. Chris Martin has been The Rams main source of goals this season with 15 strikes to date. Martin is supported in attack by Johnny Russell and Jamie Ward, while Craig Bryson and the sought after Will Hughes contribute regularly from midfield. Derby’s defence has been strengthened by loan signings Michael Keane (Man United) and Andre Wisdom (Liverpool) while Simon Dawkins (Tottenham) may feature further forward. Following the demanding holiday period, Jose Mourinho may take the opportunity to rest some key players, though injuries to Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard may restrict the amount of changes made. Despite this, the likes of Mark Schwarzer, David Luiz, Michael Essien, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba are likely to feature, with perhaps youngsters such as Tomas Kalas, John Swift and Lewis Baker being amongst the substitutes.

Prediction

I think this will be a cracking cup-tie in front of a sell out crowd, and they may need to meet up again at Stamford Bridge on 15 January.

Derby County 2-2 Chelsea

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