Chelsea v Southend preview

Blues hope to avoid becoming Shrimpers scalp

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 2nd January 2009

Chelsea v Southend preview

Scolari: First taste of the FA Cup

PREDICTIONS:

Skysports.com prediction: 3-0

SKYBET odds: Chelsea 1/10, Draw 8/1, Southend 25/1

One to Watch: Didier Drogba

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Chelsea will hope to have too much for Southend when they meet in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Blues took the trophy in 2007, but failed to defend that crown in spectacular fashion last season.

An embarrassing exit at the hands of Barnsley wrestled the crown from their grasp and the club will be desperate to make amends 12 months on.

They have successfully negotiated the first hurdle in each of the last 10 seasons and will equal a club record if they make it 11 this weekend.

The game represents Luiz Felipe Scolari's first taste of English football's most prestigious knockout competition, although the Brazilian has plenty of prior experience in landing domestic silverware.

Chelsea enter the game six games unbeaten in all competitions and will fancy their chances of extending that run against the out-of-sorts Shrimpers.

Southend have lost four of their last five fixtures as they prepare to head for Stamford Bridge.

They have also gone eight games without a victory on the road and have failed to score in any of their last four.

Steve Tilson's side have also reached the fourth round of the FA Cup just once in 15 years and were dumped out by Barnsley at this stage 12 months ago.

Duo doubtful

Chelsea are likely to be without defender Alex and winger Florent Malouda as they get their cup campaign under way.

Both players suffered hamstring injuries in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday and are very doubtful.

Michael Essien is still sidelined with a knee ligament problem but Ricardo Carvalho is fit again following an eight-week spell out with knee and hamstring injuries.

Michael Ballack is suspended after collecting five yellow cards and club captain John Terry sits out the final game of a three-match ban.

Christophe returns

For Southend, Jean-Francois Christophe comes back into contention following a hamstring problem.

His fellow Frenchman Francis Laurent is also available once again after recovering from a bout of flu.

Teenage full-back Johnny Herd is expected to be handed a starting berth against Premier League opposition following Dan Harding's return to Ipswich at the conclusion of his loan spell.