Wanderers Looking For Third Cup Comeback Against Chelsea

Fans of Championship strugglers Bolton Wanderers will receive a well-deserved distraction from the league tonight (24th September, 7:45) with a trip to Stamford Bridge, as their team takes on Premier League table toppers Chelsea in the Capital One Cup third round.

Unlike Champions League competitors Chelsea who were awarded with a bye to this stage, lowly Wanderers joined the knockout competition in the first round and have earned themselves the reputation of being this year`s comeback kings. It took 37-year-old veteran striker Kevin Davies until the 90th minute to equalise against League 2 Bury in the first round. Scott Dann`s extra-time brace saw Daniel Nardiello`s strike a mere consolation as the tie ended with the Whites 3-2 victors. It was then down to Darren Pratley to cancel out Bradden Inman`s effort against Crewe Alexandra in round two. A hectic period of injury-time saw each side grab another goal, Wanderers` chance converted by Jermaine Beckford, with the 30-year-old snatching the winner in the first half of extra-time seeing the team through with their second 3-2 win of the tournament.

In light of this, perhaps the Best Bet of the Evening award should then go to Betvictor who are offering 33/1 on Chelsea leading at half time only for the game to be tied after 90 minutes. Whilst such a comeback is going to be more difficult against the side currently undefeated and sitting pretty at the summit of the Premier League, the possible squad rotation that the Blues may indulge in suggests that Dougie Freedman`s men may be able to produce a season-defining comeback.

This is not an assessment the bookmakers agree with, however, with the vast majority of turf accounts making Jose Mourinho`s side 1/5 favourites to make easy work of the team 21st in the second tier of English football. The undoubted underdogs, Bolton are best priced 16/1 (bet365, Spreadex, Sports Winner, Stan James, Titan Bet) to cause an upset and see Chelsea quickly knocked out of what they will see as being an entirely winnable competition. Numerous bookies are also offering 13/2 on the game ending a draw after 90 minutes.

Blues boss Mourinho is set to rest his potent poacher of goals, Diego Costa who has scored seven in his first five games for the club in spite of not being completely fit. Thirty-two million pound man Costa damaged his hamstring during Spain`s friendly game against France, causing him to miss his country`s Euro 2016 qualifier against Macedonia. The 25-year-old may find himself replaced by Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba, QPR signing Loic Remy or youngster Dominic Solanke. Chelsea legend Drogba is 10/11 with bet365 to score his first goal in his comeback season for the club, whilst Remy is 5/6 with Betbright. Inexperienced striker Solanke can be back at 11/8 to get his name on the scoresheet at any time.

Mourinho`s assistant Steve Holland told a press conference that Brazilian midfielder Ramires will also miss the match-up after picking up an abductor muscle injury in the clash with Premier League champions Manchester City, a problem the club hopes won`t keep him out of the side for any significant amount of time.

The Trotters will be relying on a trio of new faces helping them bounce back from their 1-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves and secure them a place in the next round of the cup. Aston Villa loanee Chris Herd may make his first appearance, whilst former Crewe striker Max Clayton is available after the two clubs agreed a compensation package.

New goalkeeper Paddy Kenny may also make his Bolton debut replacing Andy Lonergan between the sticks. Betvictor are offering 45/1 on Bolton keeping only their second clean sheet of the season in a win away at Stamford Bridge.

Go To bet365

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24/09/2014     © Frixo 2026