FA Cup Fifth Round Replays: Chelsea, Tottenham Hope Second Time Is A Charm

Neither Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur brought their best the first time around in the FA Cup fifth round, as both played to draws against lower level opposition. Those draws forced replays, so while their fellow English Premier League sides are all either competing in European competition or resting, they will be playing again in the world's oldest cup competition.

Chelsea has a different manager than they had for the first leg, with Roberto Di Matteo taking over for the recently sacked Andre Villas-Boas. Even though some key players are likely to be rested even if they are fit or close to it, there will be a lot of eyes on Di Matteo's team selection. Inevitably, everyone will read way too much into how odd it looks and proclaim that Roman Abramovich has made a mistake before the team takes the pitch.

Harry Redknapp fielded a very odd team in a 5-3-2 in the first leg against Stevenage, with Gareth Bale playing as a central attacking midfielder. While the defense matched up perfectly against Gary Smith's conservative 4-4-2, they looked anemic in attack. Old 'Arry's probably going to go with a more conventional back four this time around, and if he doesn't, he'll at least play a real central player where Bale was.

Birmingham City vs. Chelsea