Chelsea's Costa to contest FA violent conduct charge

Chelsea striker Diego Costa will contest the Football Association's violent conduct charge for his alleged stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can, British media reported on Thursday.

The Brazilian-born Spain striker faces a potential three-game ban after he appeared to tread down on the 21-year-old German early in the first half of their League Cup semi-final, second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Should he fail in his challenge he would miss Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City as well as games at Aston Villa and home to Everton.

Costa was later involved in a second stamping furore involving Liverpool's Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel, but the FA said they would not take any action over that incident.

Chelsea reached the League Cup final thanks to a towering header from Branislav Ivanovic in extra time to give them a 1-0 victory on the night and 2-1 aggregate success.

Chelsea, who cancelled their usual pre-match news conference ahead of the City game, are five points clear at the top of the table.