After all the drama at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester United over the weekend, fate would have it that these two rivals would go head-to-head in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night (Chelsea 5/4, draw 12/5, Manchester United 21/10 – Match Betting).
However, it looks like there will be two very different teams that take the field at the Bridge this week from the ones who played in the 3-2 victory for United on Sunday.
For the Blues they will, of course, be without striker Fernando Torres and defender Branislav Ivanovic, as they were both sent off in the defeat to the Red Devils, while skipper John Terry is still serving a suspension.
The absence of the influential trio will give some of the fringe players at Chelsea a chance to impress manager Roberto Di Matteo, who will be looking for a bit of revenge following the weekend’s events.
Former Wigan Athletic striker Victor Moses could get a rare start up front and may well partner Daniel Sturridge, in what could be a decent pairing that will cause the United defence problems.
As for the Red Devils, manager Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to rest strike duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie for the return to the capital, as they prepare to face Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.
Michael Keane, Marnick Vermijl and Scott Wootton have all been touted as youngsters who could be given a chance against the Blues.
The changes to both teams should defuse what would have been a highly-charged encounter and, based on the strength of players coming into their side, Chelsea should book their place in the quarter-finals, with United possibly having one eye on their clash with the Gunners.
In another encounter on Wednesday, Norwich City are set to host an ever-improving Tottenham outfit at Carrow Road (Norwich 16/5, draw 13/5, Tottenham 5/6 – Match Betting).
Spurs will be making plenty of changes for their clash with Canaries as they prepare for their fourth game in 12 days, after all their efforts in the Premier League and Europa League.
Hugo Lloris is expected to be given a chance between the sticks, as he desperately looks to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI under manager Andre Villas-Boas.
Norwich boss Chris Hughton is also likely to swap things about but he will have to do without the services of defender Russell Martin, who picked up a back problem in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa over the weekend.
These two sides met early in the Premier League season and it ended in a 1-1 draw but Spurs have improved since then and they should come out on top.
In the other game on Wednesday night, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers takes on his former club Swansea City at Anfield in a battle of two teams who like to pass the ball (Liverpool 4/9, draw 10/3, Swansea 13/2 – Match Betting).
Liverpool have been forced to use their youngsters regularly this season and the defending League Cup title holders will once again look to the youth at the club.
The Swans have been struggling to pick up wins in the Premier League and they will be keen to focus on their exploits in the top flight in their bid for survival.
Liverpool, especially on home soil, should have too much for the Swans and the Reds look like they will progress further in the competition once again.
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