There may be less sting to Rory Delap’s throw-ins when he is parted from the narrow pitch at the Britannia Stadium, but Stoke City do not depend solely on home comforts – Tony Pulis’s team are unbeaten in away games since Boxing Day. FA Cup holders Chelsea have lost three of their last five matches and badly need to regain authority in tomorrow’s tie. Nicolas Anelka’s form, in particular, has dipped since Didier Drogba’s return from the Africa Cup of Nations meant he had to vacate the centre-forward postion. Kevin McCarra
Venue Stamford Bridge, Sunday 4pm
Tickets Sold out
Previous meetings Chelsea wins 35 Stoke wins 27 Draws 19
Referee M Atkinson
This season’s league matches 22 Y92, R3, 4.32 cards per game
Odds Chelsea 3-10 Stoke 11-1 Draw 5-1
Chelsea
Subs from Hilário, Zhirkov, Matic, Alex, Deco, Kalou, Borini, Sturridge, Bruma
Doubtful Alex (knee), Deco (knee), Carvalho (hamstring), Zhirkov (calf)
Injured Cech (calf, Apr), Essien (knee, Apr), A Cole (ankle, May), Bosingwa (knee, Aug)
Suspended Ballack (one match), Belletti (one match)
Form guide (all comps) LLWWLW
Disciplinary record Y56 R4
Leading scorer Drogba 25
Stoke
Subs from Begovic, Simonsen, Beattie, Kitson, Pugh, Diao, Am Faye, Tuncay, Davies, Wilkinson, Arismendi
Doubtful Etherington (knee), Higginbotham (back)
Injured None
Suspended Shawcross (first of three)
Form guide LWWDDD
Disciplinary record Y61 R4
Leading scorer Fuller 6
Match pointers
• This is the fifth consecutive season that Chelsea have reached the FA Cup sixth round while Stoke are making their first appearance at this stage since 1972
• If Matthew Etherington starts it will be the 300th of his career in all competitions
• Chelsea are unbeaten in 17 consecutive FA Cup home ties dating back to March 2003
• Stoke beat Chelsea in their last domestic cup meeting at Stamford Bridge – 1-0 in the League Cup in 1995
• Chelsea have scored twice in each of their last four games with Stoke in all competitions
FA CupChelseaStoke Cityguardian.co.uk
