Many clubs would not necessarily view a week in which they recorded two straight draws as an out-and-out disappointment, for it's better to earn two points than zero, they may argue. However, for a team like Chelsea, who are gunning for both domestic and continental glory this season, being held to an embarrassing draw with struggling Bundesliga outfit Schalke in mid-week was certainly not something that Jose Mourinho wished to see.
On the other hand, a stalemate with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City is nothing to be ashamed of. However, the Blues, who played with a man up following Diego Costa's antics to see Pablo Zabaleta sent off, were unable to take advantage and saw former icon Frank Lampard come back to haunt them in the last few minutes of the game.
To that end, Mourinho will be keen on getting back to winning ways, but in all honesty, in terms of the four trophies Chelsea can win this season, it's simple to say that the Capital One Cup is by no means a top priority. And given the lack of threat--on paper at least--their Championship opponents pose, do not be surprised if the Portuguese tactician opts to give stars like new signings Cesc Fabregas and the aforementioned Costa a rest in lieu of fielding some of the team's fringe and second-string players.
Petr Cech, who until now had enjoyed being the team's no. 1 between the sticks has been relegated in favor of youngster Thiabut Courtois, but may make an appearance in this upcoming match. Meanwhile, Bolton have endured a torrid time so far in English football's lower division. Dougie Freedman's men have won just one out of their eight fixtures and are only saved from a spot in the relegation zone due to their slightly superior goal differential over Huddersfield Town.
To make matters worse for the visitors, they have not beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in over a decade, with one having to go back to December 2003 in a day that John Terry will surely not remember too fondly as he turned Henrik Pederson's shot into his own net.
And, given the vastly different levels of performances between these two sides, it does not appear that Bolton will be celebrating another shock win against the hosts any time soon.
Chelsea Starting XI: Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Ake, Oscar, Obi Mikel, Schurrle, Salah, Remy, Cahill, Azpilicueta.
Bolton Wanderers Starting XI: Lonergan, Herd, Mills, Dervite, Moxey, Pratley, Medo, Danns, Feeney, C. Davies, Beckford.
Chelsea Subs: Schwarzer, Ivanovic, Hazard, Drogba, Matic, Christensen, Baker.
Bolton Wanderers Subs: Kenny, McNaughton, Spearing, Ream, Lee, Mason, Clayton
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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