A heavy weight battle will take place on Sunday between Manchester United and Chelsea in the FA Cup's fifth round.
Chelsea's problems have been well-documented this season. The team is out of the running for the Premier league and recently suffered a disappointing loss against Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League's Round of 16. The FA Cup remains the only major trophy that Chelsea has a major chance of winning.
"We are still the holders of the FA Cup and we want to keep our trophy for as long as we can," said Chelsea keeper Petr Cech. "The best way for us to forget about the defeat (in Romania) is to get into another game."
Regarding their opponents, Cech added, "United are the favorites for the game, but it's the FA Cup and in the FA Cup not every time do the favorites win. We have big players in our dressing room who are at their best in the big games. We have to show it again."
Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez agrees. "It's a positive. It's good and it's a challenge for us," he said about having another match to play immediately after the loss against Bucharest. "In terms of the focus of the players, it's good. We have an opportunity very quickly to change things.
United has been one of the best teams in the world and is in a solid position to take home the Premier league title. The team is coming off a heart breaking loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League and will have a prime chance to restore confidence against Chelsea.
"It's a big game, the FA Cup. We have a hard game against good opponents," said Manchester manager Sir Alex Ferguson. "Chelsea have a terrific record in the FA Cup, probably the best of any team in the last decade. We haven't won it for almost 10 years, so there are a lot of incentives for us."
Predictions: Manchester United wins 3-2.
Start Time: 12:30 PM EST
TV: Fox Soccer Channel
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