That could mean opportunities for Chelsea academy graduates Ola Aina, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Nathaniel Chalobah, as well as a start for £30million striker Michy Batshuayi, who grabbed his debut goal in the 2-1 victory over Watford last weekend.
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Manager Antonio Conte is expected to make plenty of changes, though midfielder John Mikel Obi is unavailable following his involvement in the Olympics with Nigeria.
Bristol Rovers were promoted to League One last May, but their performance has been dismal since then.
Bristol Rovers are massive outsiders for this game (understandably), with the League One side now plying their trade two divisions lower than Chelsea.
Chelsea finally found their footing and opened the scoring in the 29 minute thanks to a goal from Michy Batshuayi after he was set through on goal by Nemanja Matic, 1-0. They started the season with two losses, one draw and a solitary win from four games.
“For these reasons it was important to start in the right way for all of us. Now we must continue and we have a great chance to continue in the next game at home”.
The brightest stars on the team, like Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante will likely sit this one out.
Bristol Rovers named an unchanged eleven against Southend United.
Having overcome Championship Cardiff City in the previous round, the Pirates are available at 14/1 (15.00) with Skybet to create an even bigger shock with victory against their Premier League hosts.
Without a shred of doubt, Chelsea are the favourites to win this fixture.
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What’s your prediction for Chelsea vs Bristol Rovers?
