Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea vs Blackburn Rovers

This encounter is, in fact, meaningless for both teams under the current circumstances, with Chelsea facing their lowest Premier League placing in a decade after the midweek defeat at Liverpool, while Blackburn have been dropped from top flight after last week's loss against Wigan Athletic.

The Blues have won only once in their last five league matches and can no longer finish above sixth. Roberto Di Matteo's side will have to win the Champions League if they want to feature in the same competition next season. And with the final against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena just a week away, Chelsea are likely to rest as many key players as possible for this tie.

On the other hand, Rovers manager Steve Kean is likely to field a strong side to bow out of the Premier League on a high. Yakubu and Junior Hoilett are expected to start for the visitors, with both players possibly playing their last game for Blackburn as the duo have been linked with moves away from the Lancashire club after its relegation.

The match will be available live on FOXSoccer.tv in the US.

Team News: Centre-backs David Luiz and Gary Cahill were both ruled out for this clash, meaning captain John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic - both suspended for the Champions League final - will feature at the heart of the Chelsea defence. John Obi Mikel and Raul Meireles face late fitness tests, with fellow midfielder Ramires - another player banned for the Bayern game - likely to get the nod.

Blackburn will be without right-back Bradley Orr, who has an Achilles tendon issue. Kean is sweating on the availability of goalkeeper Paul Robinson and midfielder David Dunn as the duo face late fitness tests ahead of the trip to London. Defender Grant Hanley, midfield man Vince Grella and stand-in keeper Mark Bunn remain sidelined, while Gael Givet is back in the squad despite limping off in the last game against Wigan.

Facts:

  • Chelsea have lost just once in their past 17 league meetings with Blackburn, while the Lancashire club have lost seven of their last eight games.
  • Blackburn will finish this season with less than 35 points for the first time since 1979.
  • The 4-1 defeat at Liverpool in midweek equals Chelsea's biggest losing margin in the league under Roman Abramovich.
  • Rovers have not scored in their last five visits to Stamford Bridge and have not registered a win in the past 16 trips to London.
  • In the reverse fixture at Ewood Park in November, Chelsea won 1-0, thanks to a Frank Lampard header.

Probable starting line-up

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand, Romeu, Essien, Ramires, Malouda, Sturridge, Torres

Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Givet, Martin Olsson, Dunn, N'Zonzi, Pedersen, Hoilett, Formica, Yakubu

London