Within the floodlit confines of Stamford Bridge, a clash of steel and spirit is about to take place. The stage is the fourth round of the League Cup and Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers are the main characters. The two teams, each carrying their own hopes and concerns, will clash in a pivotal encounter aiming to record another successful chapter in their respective histories. A story of resistance and regeneration. London-based titans Chelsea, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, enter this battle with a sense of urgency. Fresh from a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford, the Blues are under pressure to regain their momentum. The loss to Brentford left a bitter taste as a reminder of their current Premier League struggles, which they will be looking to wash away with a memorable performance against Blackburn.

Meanwhile, underdogs Blackburn, managed by John Dahl Thomassen, approach this match with a mix of ambition and optimism. Rovers have already made their mark in the League Cup, sitting firmly above Harrogate and Cardiff. A win against a Premier League heavyweight like Chelsea would mark a significant milestone in their campaign. The weight of absence and the promise of return. Both the squads set for this encounter will bear the brunt of key absences. Chelsea were without their star forward Mykhailo Mudric and six other players due to injury. Blackburn will miss Sam Smodics, who has been ruled out through injury. However, amid these absences, the promise of a comeback shines. Chelsea captain Reece James and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic are expected to strengthen their ranks. Likewise, Blackburn will be led by returning captain Lewis Travis, injecting hope and leadership into their squad.The battle ahead. Chelsea's recent defeat against Brentford exposed their vulnerabilities, but they hold an excellent record against lower league opposition, losing just once in the last 15 years. However, the fourth round of the League Cup has often served as a stumbling block, with the Blues knocked out at this stage in four of the last eight seasons. Blackburn's run in the League Cup so far has been marked by their attacking prowess, scoring 17 goals in just three games. Their last successful campaign in the tournament was in 2011–12 when they reached the quarter-finals. Although they have shown signs of improvement in the Championship, a win against Chelsea will no doubt boost their confidence and morale. As the floodlights go up at Stamford Bridge, the stage is set for a clash that could shape Chelsea and Blackburn's future in the League Cup. With resilience and resurgence at its heart, this clash promises to be a testament to football's unpredictable and exciting spirit.

Badias and Sterling sent Chelsea into the quarter-finals of the League Cup with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

It was a win at home for the Blues, with goals from Benoit Badiashaile and Raheem Sterling seeing the west Londoners beat Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers and progress to the quarter-finals of the League Cup. It was a well-deserved win for Chelsea, who struggled at home against Premier League opposition, and while Rovers tried to ape the tactics of the elite teams, they fumbled at crucial moments and cost them.Chelsea's desperate desire to strike first was evident five seconds into the game when the ball advanced to a running Raheem Sterling. There was nothing but two more corners within a minute, proof that head coach Mauricio Pochettino told his charges Blackburn needed to get there from the start. A great ball from Enzo found Reece James fit again who surged forward, tucked everyone in and let fly with a powerful right foot. Leopold Walstead was able to block the attempt with part of his lower body. James was quickly becoming the man to score, his low right-footed effort inches wide of Walstead's right; Post 25 minutes. Enzo was next to try and make a great diving save from the goalkeeper as the Blues came close to scoring. 

Conor Gallagher was blocked by a near post parry for a corner. But from a kick in the 31st minute, Walstedt could only tap the ball to Benoit Badiache. Blackburn could count themselves unlucky on 37 minutes when it looked like Gallagher handled a byline cross. Neither referee Tim Robinson nor his line thought it deserved a spot kick. There were no changes for either side at half-time. But it was the same as the first half. Cole Palmer made an acrobatic save from Walstead for a corner on 58 minutes. Seconds later Sterling produced a lovely curling right-footer from the edge of the penalty area which Walstead could almost double the score. Pochettino was about to make a double substitution - James on, Malo Gusto on, Badias on, Levi Colville on. The Blues and Rovers had better timing with these substitutions, trying to open up the Chelsea rearguard on the ball. Moises Caicedo came on for Jackson with 15 minutes left in the game. The next substitution came five minutes in when Alex Matos and Noni came on. Palmer and Enzo are gone. Arner Sigurdsson should have scored a consolation goal for the visitors in extra-time, but Robert Sanchez, redundant for most of the game, made a brilliant save to push the ball away for a corner. Teams: Chelsea, Sanchez, Disasi, Cucurella, Badiashil, Sterling, Fernandes, Jackson, Ugochukwu, Palmer, Gallagher, James. subs; Petrovic, Noni. Caicedo, Colville, Gusteau, Mattsen, Washington, Matos, Castledine. Blackburn Rovers, Walstead, Britton, Pickering, Hill, Carter, Markande, Leonard, Adam Wharton, Moran, Travis, Garrett. Subs, Hilton, Scott Wharton, Rankin-Costello, Sigurdsson, Dolan, Gamble, Baty, Ennis