If the team is going to reach the heights it did under Martin O’Neil, getting to the League Cup semi-final for the first time since he left is a hell of a start. With Arsenal going out in embarrassing fashion, Chelsea are the only team left in the tournament that would be a clear favorite over Villa. The Blues still have to get past Leeds before entering the hat for the semi-final draw. The match will be played only three days after returning from the Club World Cup in Japan. With any luck, fatigue and home field advantage will help Leeds pull the upset.

The club couldn’t ask for a better chance at silverware at this stage of the club’s rebuilding project. The question has been asked rhetorically: Would fans take a League Cup win or guaranteed Premier League survival? While I’m sure Randy Lerner and everybody at the club would take survival, I’m sure I’m not alone in wanting the trophy more. Trophies last forever, and a win at Wembley would be infinitely more memorable than a 15th-place finish. I fully expect the team to move up the table and moot all of this discussion anyway.

I also miss European nights, even if it is the Europa League. Although in England the competition is treated as a nuisance at times, playing in it will restore some of the cachet the club has lost the past couple seasons. While the team did undoubtedly have more quality a few years ago, this team does have more depth and a manager who is able and willing to use it. Given the size and tradition of the club, we should be playing in Europe at least semi-regularly.

As far as the league goes, this weekend would be an ideal time for the team’s goalscoring form in the cup to translate into goals in the league. Against Stoke the team’s performance was average overall, while Stoke were pretty poor. The positive note for me was how the team stood toe-to-toe and responded to Stoke’s physicality.

If I were Lambert I would start the team that finished the Norwich game, but have Guzan in goal, or maybe Ashley Westwood regaining his place. If fit enough I’d love to see Charles N’Zogbia get a start and see what he can do in our current set up. If he can find a bit of form he could provide the playmaking and goalscoring that has been lacking from the midfielders playing behind Benteke. Hopefully being involved in the buildup of one of the goals is something he can build on.

I’m not sure what to expect this weekend. Liverpool are playing better of late. The only thing I am sure of is that our team will not be afraid. That, and Stewart Downing will be watching from the bench.

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