The Blues travel to Shrewsbury in the League Cup 4th round to face the lowest-ranked team in the competition, just 48 hours after Sundays pulsating clash with Manchester United.
Venue: New Meadow Date: Tuesday, 28th October Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
However, the Blues have a squad more than deep enough to manage this, potentially giving youngsters like Solanke and Ake a chance to impress.
Historically Mourinho has always taken the League Cup seriously and the kind draws Chelsea have received thus far should ensure they make the latter stages.
His side remains the only unbeaten team in the top four divisions of English football, only dropping League points at the two Manchester clubs, and only complacency could prevent this run continuing at the New Meadow.
Diego Costa is unlikely to be risked, whilst Petr Cech may gain a rare start in a game where some senior players such as Eden Hazard could understandably be rested.
Shrewsbury are enjoying a remarkable cup run, thus far dispatching out Premier League and Championship opposition in Blackpool, Leicester City and Norwich City. This raises the possibility that they could follow Bradfords recent example of making it to Wembley.
Shrewsbury are also unbeaten at home in all competitions this season, winning nine from ten, and Chelsea will have to watch top scorer James Collins.
Manager Micky Mellon, who served tea to the scores of fans who queued for tickets to the match earlier in September, is understandably looking to enjoy the experience.
“Now it’s all about a fantastic evening on Tuesday night, an evening in isolation where we can go and absolutely enjoy it and give everything we can,” he told the media.
The stadium will be rocking, the TV cameras will be here and our players deserve to go and take part in a fantastic occasion so we’re really looking forward to it.
Chelsea reached this stage through a 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers last month, and won their last meeting with the Shrews 4-0 in 2003, with Gianfranco Zola claiming a brace a repeat result would be more than welcome for them.
