Rovers ready for Chelsea

Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Semi Final First Leg
7pm, Wednesday 17 March
Ewood Park , Blackburn Rovers FC
Click here for fixtures

Having already tasted defeat against Blackburn Rovers in the Academy League this season, Chelsea will be keen to avoid another disappointing trip to Lancashire in the Semi-Final First Leg of The FA Youth Cup.

In a match of few goalscoring opportunities, Rovers collected the three points on the opening day of the campaign courtesy of a goal four minutes from time, and they were able to hold out following heavy Chelsea pressure in the final few minutes.

The Blues are currently on a good run of form having gone 11 games without a loss, and have displayed their ability on the road with two 4-0 victories against Watford and Nottingham Forest so far in this competition.

Blackburn have also shown their pedigree in The Cup having dispatched of league leaders Everton after extra-time, and second placed Manchester United at home in the previous two rounds.

Rovers' progression in the competition is in stark contrast to their performance last season, when they were defeated in the Third Round, and they will be eager to get a positive result to take with them to Stamford Bridge in the return leg.

Blackburn have been a difficult side to beat at home this season, losing just one home league and cup game this term, that defeat coming to last year's Youth Cup Finalists Liverpool.

But their form in the league has been rather uninspiring in recent weeks as they have gone eight games without a victory, and they will be counting on their impressive Cup displays to overcome a dangerous Chelsea side.

Speaking about the tie, Rovers Academy Manager Phil Cannon said: "These can be great nights in a young players' career and I just hope that the players don't freeze on the occasion and that they go out and express themselves.

"Manchester United were probably favourites this year and they fancied their chances, and it is fair to say that Chelsea were probably second favourites. We've done the first part, now it is time for the second.

"But this is football, it is all about what happens on the night and who turns up."

You will be able to see video highlights of the tie on TheFA.com tomorrow, so be sure to check back for that.