FA Cup

Football is such a game which has proved continuously that your previous form and statistics count to nothing and it all depends on the performance of the outfield players and the tactics and shrewdness of the manager which ultimately swings the game. However Chelsea have been so inconsistent this season that even a win today would not erase doubts about their ability to launch a massive attack at the European front as well as get a Champions League spot . However nonetheless a win and a strike from Torres is all what Chelsea would hope for which will put the critics and doubters to rest, atleast for the time being. With Torres cup tied, all that Chelsea could hope for is a good win at Stamford Bridge against a side who are yet to clinch a trophy in 16 years and have witnessed a similar run of form in the league this season.

It has been a trying week for the men in Blue. With the Euphoria of capturing Torres and Luiz in a shattering last day of the transfer season settled and the team precariously hanging on the knives and the swords dished out to them by the critics and the footballing world , it has been a February to forget . A winless month without scoring a single goal even though possessing the best attacking force in Europe is what has puzzled them. But Chelsea’s season is still on with three trophies yet to be won. FA Cup has always brought sweet memories to the Bridge faithful and with Ancelotti hoping to make it a hat trick of cup triumphs, there is all to play for when Chelsea entertain Everton to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were lucky to grab a replay at Goodison Park but the 1-1 draw in the league against the opposition would be fresh in their minds. In simple words Everton would be no pushovers. With both teams looking for the right result, the match can yet become an FA Cup classic. Moyes and Ancelotti are both in the line of fire and would be desperate for an extended cup run which will ease the pressure on them.

With Torres cup tied, Chelsea could “so called” return back to its “normal formation”. With Luiz proving to be an excellent addition to the squad bolstering the defence in time, it remains to be seen whether Drogba and Anelka can hit top form and score goals which the Blues desperately needs. Jose Bosingwa could return to the squad which still remains to be seen.

Everton have fresh set of problems of their own with Louis Saha missing from the squad. It’s likely that Jermaine Beckford could return back to the starting XI amidst fresh memories of him scoring the winner for Leeds United against Manchester United two years ago. Much would be expected from the Toffees main man Tim Cahill.

With much focus going to the David vs Goliath clash between Manchester United and Crawley Town at Old Trafford and the possibility of another FA Cup upset in the minds of the football purists, this match at Stamford Bridge could yet turn out to be the game of the week. I still fancy Chelsea to cruise home comfortably today.

Tags: Ancelotti, Chelsea, Everton, FA Cup, Football, Luiz, Stamford Bridge, Torres