19 February 2006
VIDEO PREVIEW: Chelsea v Colchester

Chelsea take on minnows Colchester at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Can the U's cause a huge shock?


Chelsea v Colchester United
FA Cup Fifth Round
4pm, Sunday 19 February 2006
Stamford Bridge
Winning club receives £120,000
£265,000 television payment for each club



Chelsea assistant manager Steve Clarke has insisted his side won't take Colchester lightly in The FA Cup on Sunday.

Clarke has sent out scouts to monitor Chelsea's opponents over the last few weeks - and the reports that have come back confirm the U's are a talented side in top form.

Chelsea will certainly be favourites to reach the Sixth Round, especially as they are at home against the League One promotion hopefuls at Stamford Bridge. But Clarke wants his players to maintain completely concentrated.

He said: "We've had scouts watching Colchester but we don't have to watch them too closely - you just have to look at the league table to know they are a good side and that they are doing really well.

"They have been on a great run and winning week-in, week-out. It's one we are looking forward to and we won't take it lightly I can assure you."

With Chelsea already top of the Premiership by 12 points there is every chance that victory in The FA Cup would see them clinch an historic 'Double' for the first time in their history. But Clarke is only thinking about one game at a time.

He said: "The Double hasn't even been mentioned, I can tell you that. We have to remain focused."

Chelsea are doubly determined to beat Colchester after suffering a shock 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in the Premiership last weekend.

They were given Sunday and Monday off to recover but held a lively team meeting on Tuesday before a vigorous training session to try and put the result behind them.

Chelsea have Damien Duff and Asier Del Horno back in training after injury and both could be available to face Colchester, as could Didier Drogba who is now back in London after African Nations Cup duty.

William Gallas and John Terry are suspended for the tie and Claude Makelele may be rested as he has only just recovered from injury.

To see more wonderful video action, from FA Cup highlights to England training action, then click here.

One to ponder…

Who scored Chelsea's goals when they won The FA Cup in 1997?

Answer: Roberto Di Matteo and Eddie Newton

more to ponder…