FA Cup fixtures: Manchester City vs Chelsea, Arsenal vs Liverpool

Manchester City and Chelsea are set for a second clash at Etihad in two weeks, while Arsenal host Liverpool just eight days after humiliation at Anfield.

Manuel Pellegrini will be looking for revenge after being outwitted by Jose Mourinho in the previous encounter. Chelsea looked composed, were solid defensively and dominated the midfield. Fernandinho and Javi Garcia are still unavailable and the Chilean manager will need to find a better option to playing Martin Demichelis alongside Yaya Toure. The Citizens have had plenty of time to prepare for the Cup tie as their midweek match against Sunderland had been postponed due to poor weather conditions, but will be having in mind a crucial Champions League battle against Barcelona on Tuesday night. ‘The little horse’ Chelsea, in their turn, had a disappointing Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, but do not need to rest their players as their next fixture against Everton is only scheduled for next Saturday.

No one would like to be in Arsene Wenger’s shoes when it comes to squad selection for the upcoming clash with Liverpool. February has always been difficult for The Gunners, but they have two matches against Liverpool, one with champions Manchester United and a tie with European champions Bayern Munich in as little as eleven days. So it is all about setting priorities now for the French manager. Whether he will go for The FA Cup, field his best squad, try to get revenge for 5-1 thrashing at Anfield last week and risk the players being exhausted before the clash against the German giants or rest some of the big guns to be able to fight for European glory? Wednesday tough fixture against current champions Manchester United was no help as The Gunners struggled to break the Red Devils’ defence despite having their best players on the pitch. It is not until Sunday night that we will know the answer. Liverpool are enjoying a comfortable fixture list and have few issues with the fitness of their main squad. They are favourites for this FA Cup tie from every angle you look at it.

Everton take on Swansea City, Sunderland and Southampton meet yet another time this season, Cardiff City host Wigan Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday face Charlton Athletic in all-Championship tie, Hull City travel to Brighton and Hove Albion, while Nottingham Forest visit a struggling League One side Sheffield United.