Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Scolari reveals cup changes

02 Jan 2009 - 16:24:03

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Chelsea will make a number of changes to their side for the FA Cup third round tie with Southend on Saturday.

After playing twice in three days last weekend and failing to win their second match, last year's Premier League runners-up will not be pushing their stars against the League One side.

"Five or six players who have played a lot of games until now will not play this game," explained manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"Michael Ballack is out as a punishment for yellow cards, John Terry is suspended and Jose Bosingwa has a little injury, but I have a good squad."

Scolari has confirmed that striker Didier Drogba, who is yet to return to full fitness, will be involved.

"He will play because he needs to play more times than before," Scolari said.

The Brazilian coach also made it clear that, despite some new faces, they will not take the challenge of Southend lightly.

"(The FA Cup) is a competition that we need to think to win," he added.

"We lost in the Carling Cup and were not good against Burnley, but I wanted to win the Carling Cup and the FA Cup is no more important than the Carling Cup."