Chelsea vs. Stoke City, FA Cup: Lineups & Game Thread

"The FA Cup does matter."

"I never understand teams who rotate a lot in the FA Cup because whether you are in the top position in the league or fighting against relegation, it doesn't help when you get knocked out of a competition as big as the FA Cup. It always helps when you go on a run and we certainly take it seriously."

-Frank Lampard; source: Chelsea FC

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Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1)
Mark Schwarzer | Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Branislav Ivanovic | Frank Lampard, Nemanja Matic | Eden Hazard, Oscar, Andre Schurrle | Samuel Eto'o

Substitutes from: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, Mikel, Ramires, Willian, Demba Ba

Stoke City starting lineup (4-5-1):
Asmir Begovic | Erik Pieters, Marc Wilson, Ryan Shawcross, Geoff Cameron | Marko Arnautovic, Wilson Palacios, Stephen Ireland, Steven Nzonzi, Jonathan Walters | Peter Crouch

Substitutes from: Thomas Sorensen, Marc Muniesa, Ryan Shotton, Glenn Whelan, Charlie Adam, Oussama Assaidi, John Guidetti

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As expected due to the somewhat lighter schedule than normal recently, Chelsea roll with a strong lineup.  There's a first start for Nemanja Matic, while André Schürrle gets a start.  Alas, no youngster on the bench this time.

Stoke counter with a strong lineup of their own.  Chelsea killer Assaidi on the bench.

UP THE BLUES!