Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will test his side’s youngsters in tonight’s Carling Cup showdown with Newcastle (Match Betting - Chelsea 1/4, draw 4/1, Newcastle 8/1).
The Blues remain the only side in the Premier League with a 100% record, with the Stamford Bridge outfit winning all five of their games so far, scoring 21 goals and conceding just once, but the Italian tactician has revealed he will rest some of his senior stars for Newcastle’s visit (Chelsea 3/4 to win the Premier League).
The likes of Petr Cech, Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole, Michael Essien , John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard will play no part in tonight’s contest, with Gael Kakuta, Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick van Aanholt and Daniel Sturridge (7/2 to score the first goal) all expected to start against Newcastle.
The Chelsea boss believes the younger players at Stamford Bridge are ready to make the step up, and Ancelotti revealed he hopes to have the opportunities to continue to test his rising stars throughout the current campaign.
“It is a good experience for them to play this kind of game,” Ancelotti explained. “They are involved this season more compared to last season and when there is an opportunity I want to give them the opportunity to play and show their quality.
“Sturridge played in the Champions League, Kakuta played two games, Bruma played in the last game against Blackpool and they will get more opportunities to play.
“The Academy has done a good job in the last years and now we have the young players ready to play in our squad.”
However, while a number of Chelsea’s experienced heads will sit out the Carling Cup fixture, Ancelotti admitted he hopes captain John Terry will be available to play some part (Chelsea 9/2 to win the Carling Cup).
He added: “JT is fit to play and maybe can play for 45 minutes which could help Bruma, but Lampard is not available.”
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will be without first-choice keeper Steve Harper, who picked up a shoulder injury during the victory over Everton, so Tim Krul will deputise in his absence.
Hughton is also expected to hand a debut to veteran defender Sol Campbell, who is now match fit after joining the club on a free transfer in the summer.
Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.