We've got some interesting quotes from Carlo Ancelotti regarding the makeup of Chelsea's squad tomorrow for the FA Cup 4th round match against Everton. Ancelotti said today that the only possible change to the Chelsea team that thrashed Bolton on Monday would be the inclusion of a now-fit Frank Lampard, but even that's in doubt:
It's unclear who Lampard would replace if he did come into the side - presumably it would be Ramires, who still does not seem at home in a 4-1-2-3. However, Ancelotti may choose to reward the Brazilian for breaking his Chelsea goal duck and rest Michael Essien instead, or even go to a 4-2-3-1 and give John Obi Mikel, who's just come back from a knee injury, a break. There are cases to be made for replacing any of the three, so we'll just have to wait and see.
Maybe Lampard can come back. I have to decide if he can start from the beginning or during the game. He is the only doubt I have at the moment, the rest of players will be the same as against Bolton. We did very well against Bolton and I don't want to change these performers. Finally I think we can show good football.
-Carlo Ancelotti. Source: Fulham & Hammersmith Chronicle.
I know many of us would have liked to have seen Daniel Sturridge or Josh McEachran rewarded for their brilliant play in the 3rd round against Ipswich with a start tomorrow, but it appears that Chelsea are taking their FA Cup defence extremely seriously and will be putting out a virtually full-strength side. Look for the youngsters to come on if the game gets out of hand (for or against), but not while the match is close.