Robben still waiting on debut

Chelsea midfielder Arjen Robben had to wait for his debut after manager Jose Mourinho made four changes from the side that beat CSKA Moscow on Wednesday night.

Scott Parker, Joe Cole, Glen Johnson and Ricardo Carvalho all started with Mateja Kezman, William Gallas, Paulo Ferreira and Claude Makelele stepping down.

Robben, who has recovered from his ankle injury sustained in the pre-season, had to settle for a place on the bench.

Blackburn were missing the suspended Tugay but recalled Garry Flitcroft and Craig Short to their line-up.

Chelsea: Cech, Johnson, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Smertin, Parker, Lampard, Cole, Duff, Gudjohnsen. Subs: Kezman, Gallas, Robben, Cudicini, Tiago.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Short, Matteo, Gray, Reid, Ferguson, Flitcroft, Emerton, Djorkaeff, Dickov. Subs: Enckelman, Stead, Pedersen, Johansson, Bothroyd.

Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire)