Having seasoned internationals kicking their heels on the bench shows the strength of quality within the squad.
Chelsea will be without John Terry (foot) Frank Lampard (thigh) Florent Malouda (knee) Claude Makelele (ear) and Petr Cech (hip).
Also out are Didier Drogba Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien - all away on international duty.
Andriy Shevchenko is a doubt having missed three matches witn a calf problem, but could be on the bench.
Ricardo Carvalho returns after suspension.
Carlo Cudicini is back in training.
So, who will play tonight?
My guess is that Hialrio will continue in goal with the defence of Carvalho and Alex flanked by Ashley Cole and Juliano Beletti.
In a possible 4,3,3, formation we could see the likes of Michael Ballack supported by Steve Sidwell, yes Sidders!! and Mikel.
Up front will be sometimes striker, sometimes midfielder Pizarro with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole providing the width.
Chelsea could have youngsters Scott Sinclair, Jimmy Smith on the bench. With one eye on Saturday's re-arranged date against Spurs, in mind, Avril Grant might just start with Sinclair at the expense of Joe Cole.
Chelsea will need at least a 2-0 advantage to take to Goodison Park later this month if they are to realistically book their berth at Wembley in next month's final which will be againsst Arsenal or Spurs.