Championship high-flyers Derby County welcome Premier League leaders Chelsea to the iPro Stadium on Tuesday, with a place in the semi-finals of the League Cup up for grabs.

Derby, who have beaten Carlisle United, Charlton Athletic, Reading and Fulham to book their spot in the final eight, were knocked off the top of the Championship at the weekend as they lost 2-0 at Middlesbrough.

The Rams are enjoying a prosperous season, however, and will enter the match having won their last three league games at home - scoring 11 times in the process and conceding just twice.

Chelsea, meanwhile, got their Premier League challenge back on track on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Hull City. As it stands, the Blues sit top of the table on 39 points, but they did lose their last away match at Newcastle United.

Chelsea were dumped out of the League Cup by Sunderland last season, while they have been far from convincing in the competition this term, with narrow wins over Bolton Wanderers and Shrewsbury Town booking their spot in the quarter-finals.

The home side will be without the services of on-loan Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton through suspension, but Steve McClaren has a clean bill of health in terms of injuries.

Changes are expected, however, with Leon Best, Jordan Ibe and Will Hughes all pushing for inclusion.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, could recall Cesc Fabregas from suspension, but first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is still struggling with a muscular injury, meaning that Petr Cech is likely to continue between the sticks.

There could also be starts for Mohamed Salah and Andre Schurrle in the final third.

Derby:

Form in League Cup: WLWWWW
Form in all competitions: WWWLWL

Possible starting lineup: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Ibe, Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes; Martin, Best

Chelsea:

Form in League Cup: DWWLWW
Form in all competitions: WDWLWW

Possible starting lineup: Cech; Zouma, Cahill, Terry, Luis; Mikel, Fabregas, Oscar; Salah, Remy, Schurrle

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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