Capital One Cup: Chelsea clash is big opportunity for Steve McClaren and Derby, says Niall Quinn
Former striker thinks Sheffield United could take advantage of Southampton's poor form
Tuesday 16 December 2014 16:33, UK
Niall Quinn looks ahead to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup and expects tricky tests for Chelsea and Southampton on Tuesday evening.
Premier League leaders Chelsea travel to Steve McClaren’s Derby while Saints, who have lost four games in a row, go to League One Sheffield United.
And former Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland striker Quinn thinks both could be in for tough evenings...
Derby v Chelsea
Live Capital One Cup Football
QUINN SAYS: Stuart Pearce and I did the draw for this game and my first reaction when it came out was Steve McClaren had a wonderful chance to claim a famous victory and re-establish himself firmly in the footballing psyche in Britain.
It’s a big game for him if he can beat Jose Mourinho in a cup quarter-final and continue to showcase his reputation in this country. His team have lost two of their last three games so they are not in the best of form but it’s a great opportunity for them.
Reality tells you it’s a hugely difficult task, I have seen Chelsea play in cup competitions away from home this season and last time I saw them they were breathtaking in Schalke. If they turn it on it’s going to be an incredibly tough ask for Derby.
No matter what Chelsea side is put out they are not going to give away anything cheaply and Derby will really have to earn the right to be in the game and to have a fighting chance. They will have to work really hard and the majority of the players will have to give nine-out-of-10 performances.
Sheffield United v Southampton
QUINN SAYS: When we did the draw we got home games for the lower league clubs and that’s big for Sheffield United. It’s not easy of course, but it should be a good occasion, a feisty crowd and a really good atmosphere. The longer they stay in the game the more chance of a shock.
As a neutral you want a club from the lower league to shine and make a name for themselves and normally against Premier League opposition you would say it’s wishful thinking, but there’s a bonus to Sheffield United before the game in that Southampton’s bubble has burst.
They are not the all-guns-firing team the Blades thought they might have been facing when the draw was made. Current form gives them a squeak and with a big crowd it gives them a chance to be back in the big time and catch Southampton on this cold run.
Watch Derby County v Chelsea live from 7.30pm on Sky Sports 1 HD on Tuesday.
