Martin O’Neill’s much improved Aston Villa side visit Stamford Bridge for the second time this season.
Just over a month ago, Villa became the first team to take a Premiership point at the Bridge since Charlton Athletic managed it back in January.
In team news, Jose Mourinho is hoping to recall Andriy Shevchenko to the starting line-up. The Ukrainian has missed the last four games with a thigh strain but is back in training and available for selection.
“I hope he can play on Wednesday,” Mourinho said.
“He trained on Saturday with the team for the first time with no limitation. Now we think if everything goes in the right direction … he can play against Villa.”
A number of players could be rested, including top scorer Didier Drogba, while Geremi is expected to replace Paulo Ferreira at right-back after the Portuguese international was given a torrid time at Spurs.
John Terry is suspended following his dismissal on Sunday. Khalid Boulahrouz is his natural replacement.
Chelsea had 18 shots at goal, 10 on target during last month’s Premiership encounter but couldn’t put the game beyond Villa.
A similar performance and improved finishing is needed to progress to the quarter-finals.
