FA CUP Preview 13th February 2010

Chelsea host Cardiff City in the fifth round of the FA Cup this lunchtime without England defender John Terry. The former England captain is being rested after controversy over his personal life. The Blues will also be missing England left-back Ashley Cole, who picked up an injury in Wednesday’s defeat at Everton. The holders are the last of the so called ‘Big four’ remaining in the cup and will be hoping to retain the trophy this season.

Two South Coast rivals Southampton and Portsmouth meet in another early kick-off at St Marys. Both clubs have endured financial trouble in recent times and Portsmouth are close to going out of business. However they will see this as a break from an awful Premier League campaign and their money trouble. League One side Southampton will see this as an ideal opportunity to get a victory over their ailing rivals.

In this evening’s kick-off Manchester City host fellow Premier League side Stoke City. Stoke progressed to the fifth round of the cup with a victory over Arsenal in the last round and will be hoping for another big name scalp. City will be hoping for a trip to Wembley after narrowly missing out after a Carling semi-final defeat to Manchester United.

Derby also face Birmingham at Pride Park and giantkilling Reading face a home tie against fellow-Championship side West Brom at the Madejski Stadium.