No Torres? How Chelsea Should Line Up Against Manchester City In The FA Cup

One of the biggest ties of the FA Cup fifth round takes place on Saturday, with Chelsea travelling to Manchester City. The Blues have struggled at times away from home this season but are in fine form and sit top of the Premier League table, while City are right behind them and are notoriously strong at the Etihad. So how should the Blues line up against Manuel Pellegrini’s side?

Well, I would go full strength.

That means Petr Cech in goal, Cesar Azpilicueta on the right of the defence and Ashley Cole on the left despite the latter not featuring regularly of late. In the middle I think we will see Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz, as first choice centre-halves John Terry and Gary Cahill are both injured.

I would stick Ramires and Nemanja Matic in the two central positions with Oscar just ahead of them, and have Eden Hazard and Willian in the wide areas.

Both wingers are willing to track back and make it hard for the opposition, and that will be crucial if they are to progress in the competition.

Up top it looks like it will between Samuel Eto’o and the returning Fernando Torres, but I would probably opt for the former and keep the latter on the bench, alongside Andre Schurrle who provides the pace.

I for one am eagerly anticipating the fixture. 

Blues, who would you choose?