he Blues aim to avenge a heavy 3:0 loss to the Citizens at the beginning of the season. Even though players in both teams are practically the same as then Chelsea’s form now can’t even compare with the form back at that time. After Abramovic sacked Mourinho, Chelsea lost only one game and not against English team, yet against mighty PSG who struck them down with two lucky strikes from Ibrahimovic and Cavani.
Despite poor form through whole season Manuel Pellegrini’s team got a chance to sit at the top of the table. They hosted both Leicester and Tottenham at their Etihad Stadium and failed miserably. Leicester crushed them 3:1 with opportunities to score some more goals, while Spurs didn’t perform as good as the Foxes, but still managed to take all three points home.
It seems like that from the moment Pep Guardiola announced that he will take over leading Manchester City next season players and Pellegrini are just waiting this season to finish. Although they are still actively in play for four trophies, judging by their current form it would be a surprise if they take even one.
Match Facts
- Chelsea have won 24 and lost just of one of their last 29 FA Cup matches played at Stamford Bridge
- The Blues have kept five clean sheets in their last six FA Cup matches played at Stamford Bridge.
- Man City and Chelsea have been drawn together five times in the FA Cup with the Citizens winning four and losing just one.
- Guus Hiddink has never lost an FA Cup match with Chelsea (P5 W5 D0 L0), guiding them to the trophy in 2009.
- Manchester City have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four competitive away games.
Team News
Kurt Zouma and Radamel Falcao are still absent, while John Terry is unlikely to be risked.
Manuel Pellegrini still can’t count on Sagna, Delph, Jesus Navas, Samir Nasri and Wilfried Bony.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea: Begovic; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Rahman; Mikel, Fabregas; Hazard, Oscar, Wilian; Costa
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Kompany, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandino; Sterling, Toure, Silva; Aguero
