This weekend marks the return of the most prestigious domestic cup competition in football as Bradford look to upset the odds as they visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The blues are undefeated in 32 of their last 34 FA Cup matches and go into the game as comfortable favourites; however the FA Cup is renowned for the competitions famous giant killings.
Bradford will head into the game wanting to steal the spotlight and be the big story of the fourth round. Bradford had to go through a third round replay against Millwall to set up a visit to the Premier League leaders in round 4, while the blues hit three past Watford in the third round. Bradford come to the Bridge off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Yeovil and sit sixth in League One. Top scorer James Hanson has 5 goals in 14 appearances this season and could potentially provide a real physical threat to the blues back line.
Chelsea will be expected to play a slightly weakened team on Saturday giving a rest to key players after Tuesdays 1-1 draw at Anfield. The likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas may be given a rest to give players such as Loic Remy and Ramires a chance to impress Jose Mourinho. Mourinho has confirmed today that Petr Cech would return in goal and John Terry would be rested.
While Chelsea go into the game as overwhelming favourites, Jose Mourinho will know his side cannot afford to be complacent and will surely show respect to the physical nature of Bradford’s style of play. Didier Drogba could also return to the side who has 5 goals this season and will want to push his side closer to Wembley, a stadium which often brings the best out of Chelsea’s number 11.
The last time these two met was back in 2000 when Chelsea came out on top with a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Sam Dalla Bona, Gus Poyet and Eidur Gudjohson on the 23rd of December. Stamford Bridge will be expecting an equally comfortable game this time around as the blues continue to push for another FA Cup to add to the collection.
Chelsea will welcome the challenges that Bradford can provide, but should be able to show the Premier League qualities they possess in order to make it into the hat for the next round. Then the thought of Wembley comes ever closer and fans can dream of walking down Wembley way once again and continue to have momentum going into next week’s crucial Premier League clash against title rivals Manchester City.
