League Cup holders begin their trophy defence with a visit to Bescot Stadium on Wednesday night, with Jose Mourinho keen to maintain their resurgence in form following a London Derby victory (2-0) over bitter rivals Arsenal.
The reigning Premier League champions have seemingly halted and reversed their stuttering start to the new season with wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Arsenal in the last week.
Meanwhile, Walsall are enjoying a perfect start to the new season. The Saddlers currently lie in second place in League One table having secured five victories and two draws in their first eight matches.
Having defeated the Championship leaders Brighton 2-1 in the previous round, Dean Smith managed side would undoubtedly be aiming to inflict embarrassment on the Premier League holders.
The Portuguese tactician is likely to rest several first team players but will be cautious of tinkering too much after suffering a humiliating 4-2 loss to League Two side Bradford in the FA Cup last season.
Let’s have a look at some interesting match facts before kick-off.
Chelsea will miss the services of star striker Diego Costa as he begins his three-match ban for showing improper conduct during London Derby on Saturday while Willian is also ruled out through injury.
Mourinho on Tuesday confirmed that Skipper John Terry will return to the starting XI after missing the last two games.
Loan signing Radamel Falcao is also likely to find a place in the starting lineup.
Summer signing Papy Djilobodji could make his debut alongside Terry, with fellow Baba Rahman also involved.
Meanwhile, the hosts could stick with the same side, but Isaiah Osbourne is doubt with a knee problem.
Chelsea vs. Walsall: Predicted lineups:
Chelsea: Begovic, Azpplicuta, Terry, Djilobodji, Rahman, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Ramires, Kenedy, Oscar, Falcao
Walsall: Etheridge, Taylor, O’Connor, Downing, Chambers, Henry, Demetriou, Flanagan, Mantom, Sawyers, Bradshaw
