Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce plots Chelsea demise from sickbed

Sam Allardyce is plotting Chelsea's Carling Cup downfall from his sickbed at home.

The Blackburn boss is making an excellent recovery from his minor heart op on Friday and is working on his game-plan for Wednesday's quarter-final clash with No 2 Neil McDonald.

Big Sam is constantly on the phone to McDonald and has spent the last few days watching videos and going over ProZone stats.

He will pick the team for tomorrow's tie with McDonald and then leave it to his right-hand man to take charge at Ewood Park while he continues his recovery at home.

Allardyce hopes to return to Brockhall later this week and will make his comeback on Saturday against his bitter rival Rafa Benitez at Ewood.

The Blackburn players are looking forward to having Allardyce back and Brett Emerton claims they are missing his presence on the touchline.

Emerton is bidding for a third semi-final with Rovers against Chelsea and is already dreaming of Wembley.

"To get to Wembley would be something special," said the Aussie. "I've had a couple of semis, but you're in football to win things and hopefully this is our chance.

"Everyone realises the importance of Wednesday's game. If we can get a positive result then the excitement will build and the players will start to believe we can win something.

"Some of our cup runs have been very enjoyable and we'd love to keep this one going, although we don't need reminding how hard it will be against Chelsea."