Capital One Cup holders kick-off their trophy defence with a game against Walsall on at the Bescot Stadium on Wednesday evening following a dramatic few days in the capital.
On Tuesday afternoon, the FA suspended the Red Card and three-match ban handed to Arsenal’s Gabriel Paulista by the match referee for involving in an altercation with Chelsea goalscorer Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
The Independent Regulatory Commission also brought Costa in the dock for showing violent conduct, and handed the Brazil international three-match suspension that starts tonight.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he will make wholesale changes to the squad that beat the Gunners in controversy marred London Derby.
Blues’Captain John Terry will return to the starting lineup alongside loan signing Radamal Falcao and few fringe players when Blues’ meet Dean Smith’s side aiming to stretch their winning streak beyond two games.
The Portuguese tactician, however, said that he has great respect for the League Cup side player rotation is quite inevitable keeping in mind their upcoming Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on September 26.
