Analysis:

Chelsea will look to end the fairy tale run of Stoke City and defend their FA Cup title when they welcome Stoke to Stamford Bridge. For both of these teams, they know they are just one game away from Wembley and two more games to reach the final itself.

Chelsea won this competition in 2009, and that was their second time in three years. Now a year has passed and they are the favourites to retain their title. But coming into this match confidence is low after suffering back to back defeats in all competitions and had a number of players away on international duty in midweek.

Stoke on the other hand are looking to reach the semifinals for the first time in 38 years. The visitors have suffered only one defeat in their last 12 games and have already seen off Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City en route to this stage of the competition.

As for the team news, Chelsea will not have Portuguese full-back Jose Bosingwa as he is set to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. The Blues will also be without Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti as both men must serve a one-match ban as a result of their red card against Manchester City. Petr Cech (calf), Deco (knee), Ashely Cole (ankle) and Michael Essien (knee) are also out of this clash.

Daniel Sturridge will, however, be available and the youngster will be looking to score as he has done so in every round so far.

As for Stoke, defender Ryan Shawcross is unavailable as he b egins his three match suspension. Shawcross was sent off last weekend for his tackle on Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey which resulted in the young midfielder breaking his leg in two places.

Danny Collins will start at the back instead although Stoke could decide to move Robert Huth across from full-back as well. The Stoke boss will decide on Matthew Etherington (knee) and Danny Higginbotham (back), who have missed three and four matches respectively b efore finalizing the side.

Take Chelsea to win and give the 1 1/2 ball here.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Chelsea 2-0

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Chelsea to win here.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Chelsea and give the 1 1/2 ball here.