Chelsea host Bristol Rovers: Times, team news, all you need to know
Chelsea and Bristol Rovers face off on Tuesday night as the Blues kick off their EFL Cup campaign. Here is all you need to know about the clash.
The League Cup is now the EFL Cup, because reasons. Chelsea enter the competition at an earlier stage this season as they are not involved in European football. The Blues begin their cup campaign against League One outfit Bristol Rovers.
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With the competitiveness of the Premier League, the EFL Cup and the FA Cup represent Antonio Conte’s real chances of winning silverware in his inaugural season. Hence, expect Chelsea to take the game seriously.
Chelsea v Bristol Rovers, 23rd August 2016
Stamford Bridge, EFL Cup 2nd Round
Time: 19:45 BST, 14:45 ET
TV: Untelevised in UK and US, UK highlights on 24/08 at 23:05, Channel 5
Team News
Chelsea continue to be clean on the injury front, with Kurt Zouma still the only unavailable player. However, Antonio Conte could well ring the changes on Tuesday.
After acting as backup for Branislav Ivanovic for the first two games, Ola Aina may get a start in one of the full-back slots. The youngster impressed throughout pre-season and fans are eager to see him take the field in a competitive setting.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, has taken a backseat for the opening few weeks, with fans more concerned with the seasoned midfielders. The dust may be knocked off him for this EFL Cup clash as Conte gives him an opportunity to remind everyone of his quality.
Another intriguing storyline surrounds the formation in which Chelsea being the contest. The 4-1-4-1 has seen the team struggle against West Ham and Watford, while late switches to the 4-4-2 have yielded goals and results.
With this, Conte will likely opt for the latter, handing Michy Batshuayi his full Chelsea debut in the process. Diego Costa, though, may be rested given his vulnerability to injury, leaving the other striking spot open.
Whoever plays will be under pressure to perform. Conte may field an experimental side, but he will fully expect his charges to secure progression to the Third Round.
The Opposition
Bristol Rovers were promoted to League One this season, but they haven’t got off to the best of starts. They have won only one of their opening four league games.
Nevertheless, Rovers may see this game as a chance to play uninhibited, safe in the knowledge that they have been written off before the first whistle. This, as is often the case, makes them dangerous. Striker Matty Taylor has scored a bucket-load of goals for Rovers in the last couple of years, so he will be one to watch.
Game Central
Predicted XI
Keys to look for
Antonio Conte pre-match comments: Losing leaves ‘sad’ things
Predictions for the game result