A resurgent Chelsea return to Premiership action after easy wins in the League Cup and FA Cup respectively.
The Blues’ revival will be tested to the full by an in-form Blackburn Rovers side.
Jose Mourinho is set to recall Michael Ballack and Claude Makelele after both missed the win over Nottingham Forest.
John Terry isn’t ready to make his comeback but is expected to start against Charlton at the weekend, and Arjen Robben is still out with ankle ligament damage.
Rovers have also experienced bad luck with injuries recently: both Andre Ooijer and Robbie Savage suffered broken legs last week.
Mark Hughes is also without Andy Todd who is ill and new signing David Dunn who is short of match fitness, while Stephane Henchoz faces a late fitness test.
Chelsea have recorded two 0-2 victories at Ewood Park this season, in the Premiership and third round of the League Cup, and Rovers have won only one of their last six Premiership visits to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have won only once in five Premiership games since Christmas.
Related links
- Facing Blackburn’s familiar faces
- Pre-match briefing: Chelsea v. Blackburn Rovers
- Lampard backs Special One
