In-form Chelsea travel to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup on Wednesday evening hoping to continue their relentless march towards silverware this season.

The Blues have had a particular liking of the Carling Cup in recent times having lifted the trophy in 2005 and 2007 under Jose Mourinho as well as reaching the final in 2008, where they were beaten 2-1 by Tottenham.

Is is no suprise then that John Terry and Co. feel that they have some unfinished business in the competition and having comprehensively powered their way past title rivals Arsenal 3-0 on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will travel to the North West brimming with confidence.

With the Italian tactian seeking to juggle the demands of the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and domestic cup competitions, the Blues are expected to field a much changed starting XI.

Frank Lampard and star striker Didier Drogba are both likely to be rested paving the way for the likes of Michael Ballack and Salomon Kalou to stake their claims for more action.

Russian ace Yuri Zhirkov, playmaker Deco and the enigmatic youngster Gael Kakuta are also expected to take their place in the side as Ancelotti makes full use of arguably the strongest squad in world football at present.

The hosts Blackburn are still reeling after their 3-0 defeat at Fulham last midweek and then a dour 0-0 draw with Stoke City on Saturday.

Having already suffered a 5-0 thrashing at Stamford Bridge last month they will be keen to make amends.

Progression to the semi-finals will be a noteworthy achievement for Sam Allardyce's men, although they will have to do it without 'Big Sam' on the touchline as he continues his recovery from a recent heart operation.

Team News:

Blackburn will be without top scorer this season David Dunn who has a calf injury and striker Franco Di Santo is ineligible to play against his parent club.

With manager Sam Allardyce still recovering from heart surgery, assistant manager Neil McDonald is set to lead the side for the fourth time.

Chelsea are set to make wholesale changes with Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou, Yuri Zhirkov, Deco and Juliano Belletti all given starting berths.

Full-back Ashley Cole may miss out after sustaining a hamstring injury against Arsenal whilst Alex (hip) and Jose Bosingwa (knee) will sit out.

Probable Line-ups & *Star Man:

Blackburn (4-5-1): Robinson; Chimbonda, Nelsen, Samba, Givet; Diouf, Emerton, N'Zonzi, Andrews, Pedersen; Roberts*

Chelsea (4-4-2): Cech; Belletti, Carvalho, Terry, Zhirkov; Mikel, Ballack, Deco, Kakuta; Kalou, Anelka*

ExtraFootie Prediction: Blackburn 1 - 2 Chelsea. Despite the fact they are likely to make a number of changes, Carlo Ancelotti's men should still have too much for Blackburn as they march into the semi-finals.