Chelsea are likely to play a young squad in their third round Carling Cup clash with Fulham tonight (Wednesday).

Fringe stars such as Josh McEachran, Ryan Bertrand, Romelu Lukaku and Oriol Romeu will start as Chelsea aim to use the competition as a launch pad for young players.

"The owner has told me it will be the club's philosophy to use the Carling Cup to promote young talent," manager Andre Villas-Boas said.

"We still want to win as many trophies as we can but now we have taken the decision to promote youngsters in the Carling Cup.

"This match gives us an opportunity to push our best young talents and give them experience."

Didier Drogba will return to the side for the first time since suffering a concussion last month.