Maresca came in for questioning at his pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of the Cardiff City game in the Carabao Cup as reporters sought to clarify the comments he had made after Saturday’s win over Everton.

Pep Guardiola proteges Enzo Maresca and Brian Barry-Murphy will reunite when Chelsea face Cardiff City in their EFL Cup quarter-final.

They pushed Newcastle hard on their visit to St. James' Park in October, only falling to a last minute winner from Bruno Guimaraes. Only two points separate them from their hosts, who will be feeling the pressure after Sunday's defeat in the Tyne-Weir derby and who looked drained from competing on four fronts.

Chelsea enters Saturday on a bit of a whimper on all fronts. After beating Barcelona in UEFA Champions League action last month, the club has gone winless in its past four matches. Along with losing to Leeds United earlier this month, the Blues only have draws against Arsenal and Bournemouth.

Some of you have been asking via our Ask Me Anything about Chelsea form whether the Blues' inconsistency is down to their youthful squad.

Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki is generating interest from top Premier League clubs. Transfer Talk has the latest news and rumors.