Written by billythekid
After losing in the Premier League to Wolves, it’s back to League Cup action again. This time against Chelsea, again at Stamford Bridge, on a Wednesday night as last year, but a day earlier and also in the Quarter-Final.
Chelsea have progressed this far by beating Liverpool at Anfield 1-2 in the Third Round. Both Liverpool and Chelsea came into this cup in this round as they were competing in Europe. In the Fourth Round Chelsea were drawn at home at Stamford Bridge. They came up against their old long-time servant and a favourite Chelsea player in Frank Lampard who is the manager of Derby County. Derby had knocked Manchester United out in the previous round on penalties at Old Trafford. But it was Chelsea who were the victors this time winning 3-2.
AFCB were drawn at home at Dean Court in the Second Round against League 2 MK Dons, the home side won comfortably 3-0. In the Third Round the Cherries were again at home, this time the visitors were Championship side Blackburn Rovers. After taking a two-goal lead, Blackburn came back to make it 2-2 and only an injury time winner from substitute Callum Wilson put his team into the Fourth Round. The Cherries had a hat-trick of home draws, the next was another Championship side, Norwich City came to Dean Court, it finished 2-1 and AFCB marched on into the Quarter-Finals where they visit Stamford Bridge and Chelsea.
The Cherries have met Chelsea twice before in this competition. First time in 1994-95, Chelsea won both the home and away games by 1-0. The other game was last season at Stamford Bridge which Chelsea won 2-1.
In a game where AFCB had more shots and equal possession, Chelsea took an early lead through Willian, it looked like the Cherries had earned themselves extra time when Dan Gosling equalised in the 90th minute. But it wasn’t to be as into one minute of injury time Morata scored the Chelsea winner.
Chelsea Team News
Eden Hazard suffered a knock against Brighton but is expected to be available, though at best he will be on the subs bench with such a busy December schedule of matches. Victor Moses and Alvaro Morata are out injured. Expect a number of Chelsea changes.
Chelsea Player To Watch
Difficult one to choose with Chelsea probably resting players. But Willian has started in all their League Cup games, Oliver Giroud their only fit striker will be a problem if he starts. Ruben Loftus-Cheek who has been linked with us must be worth a watch. Pedro another, but the obvious choice would be Eden Hazard, but he may be rested after picking up a knock against Brighton.
AFCB Team News
With a number of players injured, latest being Simon Francis hip injury and Tyronne Mings with a back injury, though the latest report says not as bad as first thought. With our busy schedule, think Eddie will ring the changes and bring in some fringe players and give some who have played regularly lately a much-needed rest before the Brighton game.
AFCB Player To Watch
Jermain Defoe will probably start this game and will want to make an impression to give himself a sniff of a first-team start. Lys Mousset will also be out to impress.
Your say…
MarlowCherry wrote…
I hope we go for it. Yes, I want us to stay in this league but I also want us to have a day out at Wembley and win this thing.
When we played Wigan last year, despite their relegation, they were quite rightly, still proud of winning the FA Cup and will be singing about it for years to come. Would be good if we had something else to sing alongside the -17)…but hopefully not get relegated at the same time! – Join the conversation, click here.
AFCB Vital sponsors of Cherry Bear and Supporters Travel
