Blues can ram home their class advantage

THERE have been a few upsets in the League Cup in recent seasons - Birmingham, Swansea and even Manchester United have won the trophy since Jose Mourinho lifted it for a second time at Chelsea in 2007.

But I can't see Derby upsetting the Blues as the four Football League v Premier League Capital One Cup quarter-finals kick off.

The Rams can blow hot and cold - they demolished Wolves 5-0 on telly last month but have lost to Leeds and Middlesbrough in their last three games, and their win over Brighton isn't worth much at the current exchange rates.

Mourinho likes to win things and unlike some other managers he gives himself every chance - he had Eden Hazard and John Terry on the bench in case of emergencies at Shrewsbury in an earlier round for example.

I can see Chelsea winning 2-0 or 3-0, with six days before they have to worry about their next Premier League game at Stoke.

The Football League management are so confident about Tuesday's other tie that they've put up League One Sheffield United against Southampton.

Four straight defeats makes grim reading for Saints fans but the Blades' 1-1 draw at Fleetwood doesn't read much better and I'm taking both top-flight teams to progress.