Birthday boy Mourinho will be pleased to see his Dutch star return for the clash, after seeing him take Portsmouth apart almost single handedly at the weekend. He scored one, made one and was fouled for the free kick Drogba put away.
After substituting all three of Drogba, Duff and Robben against Pompy, late on with the game won, Mourinho will surely intend to start at least 2 of those three tonight, with Duff and Robben two of the first names on the team-sheet.
Carlo Cudicini is expected to start in goal instead of Petr Cech, as he has in all FA and Carling Cup matches to date.
For United, Fergie has hinted that Louis Saha, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Quinton Fortune and Alan Smith will all play.
"It is a temptation to play a strong team," said Ferguson. "I'm giving it serious consideration."
This is all after the Scottish manager promised to let his youngsters loose upon Chelsea, like he did against Arsenal in an earlier round! Exeter possibly had something to do with that!
Ageing captian Roy Keane may also get a run out for the first time this season in the Carling Cup, after fellow midfielder Darren Fletcher pulled out after injuring his ankle against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Something else to consider, away goals count as in European competition, but only after extra time. Therefore the scores must be level after 120 minutes for them to count, not the traditional 90 minutes as in European football.
So a goal for Chelsea tonight means we must be beaten for United to progress. If its 1-1, 2-2, etc we go through on away goals, but only after extra time.
There is no golden or silver goal.
The winners will face Liverpool in Cardiff on February 27th after they overcame stubborn Watford, winning both legs 1-0.
Chelsea Mad Predicted team:
Cudicini
Johnson Terry Gallas Ferreira
Cole Makelele Lampard
Duff Drogba Robben
Chelsea Mad Predicted score: 1-1