PREVIEW : Blackburn Rovers vs Chelsea FC

Tuesday night was something of a reality check. Nobody really expected us to crash to such a heavy defeat and as a result of that AS Roma fixture; the eyes of the world will be on us. Therefore, in our opinion, a trip to Ewood Park is just what the doctor ordered. If there are any lingering doubts about our desire to get involved in a tough encounter then Blackburn are the team to expose them. Paul Ince`s team are capable of playing some decent football but are not afraid to mix it up and prove to be a combative outfit. If John Terry described the AS Roma defeat as the kick up the arse we might have needed then an encounter with Blackburn is just the medicine needed to cure our woes.

Vital Quotes:

It`s a little known fact that Jason Roberts, who will be leading the Blackburn attack was once on our books. His brief Chelsea career unfortunately ended when he was told at 16 that his days as a Chelsea player were over. Roberts drifted back into non-league football before clawing his way back up the ladder to Premier League level. However, as can be expected, he is relishing the prospect of locking horns with his first club and will be looking to add to the goal he scored against us in the FA Cup semi-final a couple of years ago. Speaking about the encounter on Sunday, Roberts had this to say, 'Chelsea, for me, are playing football as well as anyone in Europe at the moment. 'It will be a big test for us. They are a really good side with some great players. But that is what you play football for - it is what you are in the Premier League for, so you've got to look forward to these games.'

Blackburn Team News:

Paul Ince, in his first season in charge of a Premier League side, faces a few problems ahead of the fixture with Chelsea. Benni McCarthy is suspended after his recent red card whilst injuries are likely to see star striker Roque Santa Cruz sidelined. Also out are Brett Emerton whilst Vince Grella is another who may not recover in time to start after struggling with a hamstring injury. Paul Ince will select his starting eleven from the following squad:- Robinson, Simpson, Samba, Nelsen, Ooijer, Tugay, Warnock, Villanueva, Roberts, Fowler, Santa Cruz, Derbyshire, Pedersen, Olsson, Andrews, Brown, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

Player to watch: Robbie Fowler

Simply because I just can`t resist asking the question - Is he really still around?

Chelsea Team News:

Chelsea have travelled north without the injured Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole. However, Mineiro has been added to the squad and could make his full debut. However, here at Vital Chelsea we feel that if he does, at the expense of Mikel, then the Nigerian can feel pretty hard done by. Also in the frame to play is Didier Drogba as Luiz Felipe Scolari seeks to restore some power to the attack. Here at Vital Chelsea we expect the boss to name the following starting eleven:- Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Bridge, Mikel, Lampard, Deco, J.Cole, Drogba, Malouda

Player to watch: All Eleven!

It`s hard to pick a single player this week. The defeat in the Olympic Stadium has seen the media focus on the side collectively. Therefore, for a one off we`re going to suggest Sunday is a time for the team to perform, for eleven individuals to put in the sort of collective performance that will indicate Tuesday was a one-off.

Match Facts & Stats

Chelsea`s record against Blackburn is remarkably good. In six meetings, over the last two seasons, we`re undefeated with Blackburn having only scored once. In our last eight visits to Ewood Park we`ve lost only once. Overall, the record books, for fixtures between the two sides at Ewood Park is as follows, Premier League games - Blackburn 6 wins, Chelsea 6 wins, Draws 2 In all League games - Blackburn 20 wins, Chelsea 13 wins, Draws 14

Ref Watch:

Chris Foy of St Helens will be the man in the middle.

Match Prediction:

Ewood Park is normally a happy hunting ground for Chelsea, defeats are rare and memories of some fascinating encounters are still fresh in the mind. If I had to pick just two I`d got for the thrilling 4-3 victory of the late nineties where Tore Andre Flo came on to score two late goals and that thrilling encounter when a solitary Arjen Robben strike gave us a win on a night the players chucked their shirts into the crowd, on a raw night, signalling that the possibility of winning the title was becoming a probability. On Sunday we`ll need more of that same attitude and I can see it happening with Chelsea storming to a 3-1 win.

Next Fixtures:

It`s time for a change in midweek with a Carling Cup clash with Championship side, Burnley. Next weekend we travel to the Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion.