Skipper Steven Caldwell's unfortunate dismissal in injury time at Stamford Bridge is, however, likely to open the door for Carlisle, who enjoyed the win at Stamford Bridge from the press box on radio duties.

Michael Duff came in at the expense of Carlisle, who picked up a one-match ban after being sent off for two bookable offences at Wolves.

And Duff and Caldwell were part of a formidable back line which restricted Chelsea to efforts from distance, bar Didier Drogba's classy finish to open the scoring midway through the first half.

Carlisle is looking forward to returning to Shepherds Bush, where he spent four years, helping win promotion to the Championship, and he said: "It will be excellent going back to the Loft, I spent four fantastic years there, thoroughly enjoyed my time, made loads of friends, and it will be great to see some familiar faces.

"I know there's been a massive turnaround of staff, but it will be great to go back.

"I'm just fearing for my place though now!"

As the Clarets look to the league after the highs of Wednesday, Burnley will aim to take points off a promotion rival, and he added: "It's vitally important we do well against the teams in and around us.

"But it's also vital we don't let any complacency in or start resting on our laurels against teams that aren't in and around you, which I think was our downfall last season.

"We were there or thereabouts for large parts because of performances at places like Vicarage Road and The Valley, but when it came to so-called lesser teams, we didn't produce the same level of performance or results.

"So as important as this game is, it is only three points, and the next games against Barnsley and Doncaster are also worth three points, so we have to make sure we're equally motivated."