Arguably the biggest fixture of the round is City v the Blues.
It’s the return of the FA Cup and the pick of the fifth round – bar perhaps Arsenal v Liverpool – is Chelsea’s trip to face Manchester City.
On February 3 Blues boss Jose Mourinho masterminded a 0-1 victory over the Citizens as Gary Cahill and John Terry stifled a previously rampant City attack.
However, both of those defenders will be missing for this clash and Manuel Pellegrini will see it as the perfect opportunity to exact revenge on old adversary Mourinho.
Here’s the key battles we expect to rage in the match.
Jesus Navas v Ashley Cole
With Cahill and Terry both sidelined with injury, the underused Cole is expected to be drafted back in at left-back despite having lost the position to Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Spaniard will have to fill in at right-back in the injury crisis and it could be a chance for the in-form Navas to exploit the England international’s struggles with form and fitness this term.
The City star is an out and out winger with bags of pace and skill and it will not be an easy return to the starting XI for Cole.
COMMENTS