Yep, It'll Probably Be Them Again This Year
Credit where it’s due – the Blues of Stamford Bridge receive yet another peachy draw in a tournament they could well now attempt to win.
The FA Cup is no longer a prime jewel in the crown for the biggest clubs, hell-bent as they are on attaining European glory. Wenger ran out a youth XI against Stoke City — justified in full by the upcoming nightmare run of EPL fixtures against United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa — as the EPL is a much better and more profitable prize, and with Liverpool and Manchester United long since exorcised from the talent pool, it’s there for the taking.
For Chelsea, the best draw on paper wasn’t even necessary – the Blues face Cardiff City in the fifth-round, though all eyes will be on the meeting of Southampton and Portsmouth, two teams that wouldn’t dare piss on each other were they on fire.
The two sides haven’t met since April 2005 when both were in the EPL, so you would be correct in thinking that’s an awful long time for both sides to sharpen their swords in anticipation of another rendez-vous. What makes it funnier is that the game could well happen on Valentine’s Day, proving once and for all that the only thing that manufactured occasion is good for is a good, lusty fight.
Another rivalry to get the blood flowing will take place at Molyneux, where suburban Birmingham teams Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers will battle if Wolves can glide past Crystal Palace in a replay, while Reading’s impressive giant-killing run continues with a visit of Colaship friends West Brom.
Full draw is below, though the rest of it is rather mundane by Saints/Pompey standards.
FA Cup, Fifth Round Draw
(Games to be played 13 and 14 February)
Wolves/Crystal Palace v. Aston Villa
Manchester City v. Stoke City
Derby County v. Birmingham City
Bolton Wanderers v. Tottenham/Leeds United
Chelsea v. Cardiff City
Fulham v. Notts County/Wigan
Reading v. West Bromwich Albion
Southampton v. Portsmouth
now, now, JT. Have you no faith that Villa can knock Spartak off of their hill?
because the other JT knows it to be possible
Portsmouth! Southampton! Loser pays winner’s debt!
Keith – Chelsea always seem to lose away to Villa, so if that draw ever comes about you’ll probably get your wish.
Speaking of Villa, a potential Wolves/Villa clash would be almost as tasty as that South Coast game, but without the salt air and the crushing interest payments.
Does Chelsea ever play a EPL team before the semis in the FA Cup? Ever? Shit Wenger could finally win something with the kiddies if Le Arse got the Spartak draw every year.
I think the word “Draw” is paramount here, as in randomly pulled, right? If Arsenal, Liverpool or ManUre were still in the mix then maybe Chelsea would have to face an EPL side. Besides, Ancelloti played a near full-strength squad against Preston so… Wenger could take a page from his book and do the same to advance against Stoke.
I really really really want to win at Elland Road. The draw is very open this year
@Blue is the Color — I’m only teasing, though it does make me laugh at how CFC always seem to get sweet draws!
Too many complitmnes too little space, thanks!