Chelsea Draw Newcastle In Cup
Premiership champions Chelsea have been handed a home tie with Newcastle in the quarter finals of the FA Cup.
Managerless Newcastle knocked out Chelsea in the FA Cup last season with a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.
But they face a duanting task at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea have not lost in 90 minutes for two years.
For Newcastle skipper Alan Shearer this his last chance of winning a trophy before he retires next year.
Elsewhere Charlton play Middelsborough, Birmingham are at home to Liverpool, and it’s Aston Villa or Manchester City v Bolton or West Ham.
Liverpool have not beaten Birmingham in four attempts since boss Rafael Benitez took over at Anfield in 2004.
But the Red’s boss, whose side are third in the league and through to the last 16 of the Champions League, is hopeful the Blues will be more concerned with their relegation battle than the Cup.
“At this stage, with all Premiership clubs you’ve got to play good teams,” said Benitez.
“Maybe Birmingham will be more concerned about their league position and this might not be as important to them as staying in the Premiership.”
“I feel I’ve got a big enough squad to cope with playing in three competitions and all I can say is that I’d have rather been drawn at home.”
The quarter-final games will be played on 20-23 March.
