Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has brought in international household names such as Hernan Crespo, Claude Makelele and Adrian Mutu to the West London outfit as well as bright British talent such as Joe Cole, Glen Johnson, Damien Duff and Wayne Bridge in a transfer spree where money is no object, and only clubs like the Wanderers can look on in envy.
Wanderers will undoubtedly be the underdogs but that will not stop them giving a good account of themselves against the Blues. They will however have to do without former Chelsea defender Emerson Thome who will miss out against his former club due to a chest infection meaning that 18-year old defender Danny Livesey is drafted into the squad following three months on loan with Notts County. Simon Charlton has recovered from a recent illness and will line up alongside Bruno N'Gotty whilst another ex-Blues player Anthony Barness could find himself on the substitutes bench. Nicky Hunt has recovered from a shoulder injury and should play for the Trotters.
Chelsea have a fantastic home record against the Wanderers and haven't lost a home meeting between the two teams since 1975. Claudio Ranieri's side haven't conceded a goal on home soil since their game against Tottenham in September and will be hoping that run can continue against the Wanderers.
Ranieri may have to do without former Bolton favourite Eidur Gudjohnsen who has a troublesome ankle injury. Fellow striker Hernan Crespo is still feeling the effects of a calf strain which forced him to miss the midweek game against Besiktas and will most likely be a substitute so the Blues could welcome back Adrian Mutu, rested in midweek, alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole could be rested against the Trotters with Geremi taking his place.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
ANTHONY BARNESS
JACK BRADLEY
ROBERT FLECK
EIDUR GUDJOHNSEN
GERRY PEYTON
EMERSON THOME
DAN WINTER
OTHER CONNECTIONS
IAN MCNEILL
IAN PORTERFIELD