Walsall v Chelsea: Five key battles
It's been a long wait but Walsall's glamour Capital One Cup clash with Chelsea is finally upon us. Here we take a look at five key battles that will go a long way to deciding the game.
Dean Smith's men get to test themselves against the Premier League champions and cup holders, while the Londoners will be desperate to avoid defeat after a shaky start to the 2015/16 campaign.
For Saddlers players, a shot at history beckons with a packed Banks's Stadium roaring them on.
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1: James O'Connor v Radamel Falcao
While most Chelsea players won't relish a trip to the Banks's on a Wednesday night – for Falcao the game presents a huge opportunity to impress.
The Colombian once cost Monaco a staggering €60 million. But he failed to perform last year at Manchester United and his opportunities at the Bridge have been few and far between.
In contrast, O'Connor has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season. The 30-year-old not only marshals the Walsall back-line but is good enough in the air to cope with Falcao's aerial threat.
2: Adam Chambers v Oscar
Brazilian international Oscar is one of Jose Mourinho's go-to players in the Capital One Cup.
Likely to be given a floating role, it will be up to skipper Adam Chambers to make sure the 24-year-old can't wreak too much havoc.
Oscar, who cost £25 million, has two goals in four appearances for Chelsea this season. Chambers though has impressed in defensive midfield, expertly sitting in front of the defence whether the Sadders line-up in a 4-1-4-1 formation or 3-5-2.
The 34-year-old also has vast experience having made more than 300 professional first-team appearances.
3: Tom Bradshaw v John Terry
Can former England captain Terry handle the threat of Saddlers' star man Bradshaw?
The Welsh striker has overcome a slight groin strain to feature tonight and has been in great form in the cup with a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in the first round.
Former ever-present Terry has been forced to make do with a watching brief this season having been dropped for the wins over Maccabi Tel Aviv and Arsenal.
With many believing his career is winding to a halt, Terry will be desperate to show he still has what it takes to be in the Blues' XI.
4: Neil Etheridge v Jamal Blackman
With Thibaut Courtois injured and Asmir Begovic set to be rested, goalkeeping duties for Chelsea are likely to fall on 21-year-old Jamal Blackman.
The Croydon-born shot-stopper will be making his Blues debut but failed to make a first-team appearance while on loan at Middlesbrough last season.
Etheridge knows what it's like to be a young keeper at Chelsea having started his career at the Bridge.
The Philippines international joined the Saddlers this summer and has produced a series of commanding displays. Tonight he will determined to prove a point to his old employers.
5: Dean Smith v Jose Mourinho
They may be the the Premier League champions but when it comes to Chelsea, Mourinho is the star draw.
Tonight he locks horns with the man affectionately dubbed the Ginger Mourinho by Saddlers fans.
They may have vastly different budgets but, as Smith points out, their job roles are the same – to manage human beings and win football matches.
Smith has turned into a tinkerman this season by chopping and changing personnel and systems. Now he has to out-think the man who has won the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.
