The Blues have endured a miserable slump over the festive period, suffering defeats against Arsenal and Man City either side of their draw against Aston Villa. Those dropped points have left Frank Lampard’s side languishing in ninth, although they remain within reach of Liverpool, and the head coach has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks, with several reports suggesting that his position is under threat.

Lampard will be desperate to win his first piece of silverware as a manager and came within touching distance in this competition last season, when the Blues were defeated by Arsenal in the final at Wembley. He should take the opportunity to heavily rotate his squad, though, in what has been a relentless schedule and youngsters such as Billy Gilmour and Tino Anjorin will both hope to make the starting eleven.