Everton vs Chelsea

Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Goodison Park. Chelsea won first leg 2-1.

Chelsea have never lost to the Toffees in six League Cup matches spanning 23 years and, despite the non-availability of so many important players, Blue have enough experience to play the final at New Wembley. And today, a draw is enough. That doesn't mean playing for a draw will be a good idea, and Grant must be knowing that. I guess Chelsea's unbeaten record against Everton manager David Moyes remains.

And the good news is that Wright-Phillips is declared fit to play. And for Everton, Arteta and Osman are back in the midfield. Everton have also lost players to the African Nations Cup. Yakubu, the goalscorer in the first leg, and Joseph Yobo. Anelka would be desperate to open his account for Chelsea and as he said, he would be lucky if he was able to play in a final for his new club so soon. Wembley is calling.

And I would agree with columnist Giles Smith who wrote "In the end, it's probably right that the Carling final should be contested by two teams who genuinely respect the competition and cherish its noble traditions, and that much, at least, is guaranteed now that Arsenal Reserves have gone." But I hope its Arsenal who come through and that they play a full strength team in Wembley. It would be nice to settle some scores in Wembley.

Guess at the squad:
Cech
Belleti, Alex, Carvalho, Bridge
Wright-Phillips, Ballack, Makelele
J.Cole, Anelka, Malouda
Subs: Cudicini, Sidwell, Ben-Haim, Pizzaro, A.Cole

Referee: Steve Bennett

Scoreline Prediction: 0-2