Diego Costa
Chelsea forward Diego Costa has scored three goals in as many games following Guus Hiddink’s arrival at Stamford Bridge Getty

Chelsea host League One Club Scunthorpe United in the third round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to make progress in the competition to give their supporters something to cheer about. The London-based club were evicted by Bradford City last term and new manager Guus Hiddink will be wary of any such upsets which may deliver a terminal blow to their hopes of ending the season on a high.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 2pm GMT. Live coverage of the game will be on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport 2 HD.

Overview

Chelsea last won the tournament in 2012 and have been amongst the most successful teams in recent history in the Cup, winning it four times in just six years since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003. However, their recent drought in the tournament could be a chance for the players to rise to the occasion and end the season with some silverware, which given their current state in the league and in Europe, is most likely to come following a victory in one of the domestic cups.

Jose Mourinho's departure has seen them gain some form, winning two of their last three games in the league, while drawing the other. They have already lost nine games thus far and are currently 13 points adrift of a place in the top four, with Tottenham claiming that spot. The defending Champions are also 19 points behind league leaders Arsenal, a complete reversal from last season, when the Blues had already opened up a sizeable lead over their rivals.

The last time the two teams met was also in the FA Cup in 2005, when the Blues won 3-1 at the Bridge. Their record in the FA Cup is a major worry for manager Mark Robins, knowing well that Scunthorpe's last win in the FA Cup against any top flight opposition came way back in 1970, when they beat Sheffield Wednesday.

What Managers Say

Guus Hiddink: "It means a lot [The FA CUP]. At the time it was the only silverware we won, and the only one I won in this country. Besides that if you see the impact of the FA Cup not just in England but worldwide it's a huge tradition. I remember when I was a young man specifically watching FA Cup games on a Saturday afternoon. When I started we said we have to have some aims - with a big club you have to set some targets. Fourth place in the Premier League is difficult, but then there are two targets left of which one is the FA Cup. It is a big target for this group of players together."

Mark Robins: "My chief scout, Steve Taylor, went to watch Chelsea last Sunday and I was watching it as well. We normally have a piece in our match preparation where the players see how to beat the opponent, how to cause them problems. In that space he just put 'just enjoy the day' – with a smile."

Betting Odds (888Sport)

  • Chelsea Win: 1.15
  • Draw: 7.9
  • Scunthorpe Win: 15

Team News

Chelsea

Possible XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Azpiliceuta; Matic, Fabregas; Pedro, Oscar, Willian; Costa

Scunthorpe United

Possible XI: Daniels, Laird, Canavan, Mirfin, Clarke, Bishop, Dawson, Madden, Ness, Williams, van Veen

Chelsea FC