Preview: Mata set to feature in a second choice Chelsea line-up
Spanish international Juan Mata who has arguably been the blues best player of the last two seasons is somehow not good enough for new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho who has challenged the 25 year old to prove his worth.
However Juan Mata and Brazilian defender David Luiz both of whom were not included in the Chelsea squad to face Fulham will be back in the line-up and will be out to prove their worth to their manager.
They will be accompanied by other players who after regularly featuring for Chelsea in previous seasons have now been labelled as fringe players including the likes of Michael Essien, Ryan Bertrand and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chelsea have won the league cup four times and twice it under the special one during his last spell at Chelsea. Mourinho’s Chelsea defeated Liverpool and Arsenal in 2005 and 2007 respectively to win the league crown and Mou’s successor at Chelsea Avram Grant, carried the Blues to the League Cup Final in 2008 where they were defeated 2-1 by Tottenham.
Chelsea’s past antics in the competition have made them favourites to life the trophy again this season.
Mourinho will be up against Mark Cooper who recently replaced Kevin MacDonald at the helm. And the 44 year old is relishing the chances of putting his team against some of the best players in the world.
"It's another fantastic test for the players," said the 44-year-old.
"It’s great for the club, I'm sure it will be a full house. It will be all about the players and the club and the fans.
"We'll prepare the best we can but we'll have to prepare to play against some of the best players in the world."
Swindon have also tasted league cup success in the past when they defeated Arsenal back in 1969 to clinch the title. However they have had a less than successful beginning to the new League one campaign, having managed only 11 points from the eight matches they have played so far.
Swindon will be hopeful of causing an upset as it happens so often in the league cup, but with the plethora of talent in the Chelsea squad, it is likely that Swindon will be up for an early exit from the tournament.
The already herculean task of outclassing Chelsea will be made more difficult with the absence of midfielders Ryan Mason and Ryan Harley who are expected to be out with thigh and knee injuries respectively. Alex Pritchard will return after a one game suspension however Nathan Byrne will miss out on the clash at County Ground having to serve a three match suspension.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live Scores
Watch Swindon Town vs Chelsea live on Tuesday, September 24, 2013:
In UK at 18:45 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sky Sports 2/HD, Sky Go
In USA at 14:45 ET on beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport USA
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Australia can watch the match live on Setanta-i Australia.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Swindon Town vs Chelsea match page.
