Boss Allardyce has left the hospital following heart surgery. That is a boost for the Rovers camp, but he won’t attend the game. Their home record looks good with four wins and just a single defeat in past seven games. But without Big Sam (last two games) their play looks confused, too many long balls without real goal chances and zero goals scored in those two. Caretaker Neil McDonald has been criticized for forcing 4-5-1 formation. That formation produced some results in the past, but the problem is key midfielder (plays behind the striker, Franco di Santo usually), David Dunn is unfit and his appearance is under a question mark, especially because Liverpool come in visit at Saturday. And Rovers do not have permission to field mentioned on-loan Chelsea’s di Santo. Also, Rovers have lost last four games against Chelsea without a goal scored (conceded 10). In previous rounds, they eliminated clubs from lower divisions (Gillingham, Nottingham Forest and Peterborough). 
Visitors are in the great shape. First places in Premier and CL group and maybe more important Ancelotti successfully rotates the players, sharing the effort on 16-17 players equal. So far, playing a large number of games doesn’t look as a problem. The true is, he’ll mix the cards again. But, it just means players that didn’t play at Emirates will take a place in starting eleven, like Ballack, Malouda, Deco, Kalou, Zhirkov… “Trouble maker”, Gael Kakuta, will probably make his first starting appearance this season. For me, any starting eleven looks simply too strong. Only concern is Ashley Cole who was limping off with a hamstring injury during Sunday's win at Arsenal.
Blackburn’s style of play with long-balls usually doesn’t produce too many goal opportunities and I can not see how it can works against the best defense in England (in the world, in my opinion). On the other hand, Ancelotti when take surely won’t keep the minimal lead and risk extra-time and additional effort. I expect clear away win and handicap.
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One more to follow...
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We came to the end. With FA Cup final, the curtain is falling at the football season in England. Considering odds, Chelsea is a clear favorite. They reached the final after overcoming Arsenal 2-1 in the semi-final, at the same place. Fans and management are happy with recent team performances. They have suffered only one defeat in 21 games under manager Guus Hiddink. In the race for Premier Chelsea didn’t have a real chance, paying a bill for wasted points and all mess that Scolari made. In Champions League they were eliminated after totally outplayed later champions. Thankfully to wrong referee’s judgments (I don’t expect anything such like that from Howard Webb) didn’t get a chance to face United again in big final. So, this is the last opportunity for silverware and my impression is the entire season will be judged depending from this game. Frank Lampard has given a boost by declaring himself fit. He sat out last week's win over Sunderland with a knock but will start at Wembley, with Alex and Juliano Belletti (virus) also fit. Deco and Carvalho have some injury problems, but their missing will be covered easily. In recent FA Cup campaign, Chelsea scored more goals proper than any other club (15) and conceded five. Two last games of these rivals ended with goalless draws, but another fact is Chelsea haven’t lost from Everton in last 22 competitive games! Players are in the mood to repay Hiddink for all effort he made for past three and a half months. Also, a trophy would be a big encouragement for the next season and attack for Premier.
Toffees secured a top-six finish for the fourth season in five after three wins and a draw in their last four games. They beat champions Manchester United on penalties to reached this final. Before that, eliminated Middlesbrough and Liverpool. Probably is nonsense, but in each of the last four seasons, the club who knocking out Middlesbrough has gone on to finish runners-up in the competition. But, more serious sounds David Moyes has never experienced victory over Chelsea in any competition as Everton manager. He had a lots of problems with the injuries through the season, but made some impressive results at the same time. This time he has received good news on the injury front, with Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar fully fit following recent worries over hamstring problems. That should enable Moyes to deploy his favoured 4-5-1 formation and announce a game with small number of goals. In Premier League, Everton is considered like a typical “home team” with much better record at Goodison, than away. But, after the semi-final game vs Man.Utd. (also played at Wembley), they grab a point at Stamford Bridge, clearly showing they can play the games on the road. Long time injured are Arteta, Yakubu, Jagielka and Anichebe. 
