Chelsea take on Stoke City in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge, and a few individual battles are likely to be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the match.
Nemanja Matic v Stephen Ireland
Nemanja Matic is expected to make his second debut for Chelsea against Stoke City, having re-signed for the west London club earlier this month.
Stephen Ireland will hope to capitalise on a player not yet familiar with his team-mates, and after signing a permanent deal with the Potters he will be in confident form.
The former Manchester City star, who shone under Mark Hughes at Eastlands, looks to have found a new lease of life under his old boss at the Britannia Stadium, and Matic will hope his class will tell on the day.
Demba Ba v Ryan Shawcross
With Fernando Torres injured, Samuel Eto’o has earned the status of first choice Chelsea striker, with Demba Ba therefore likely to start in the FA Cup.
The Senegal international has been underwhelming thus far for the Blues after an immensely prolific spell at Newcastle United, but puts in a great deal of effort, and Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross will be wary he may be moved across the pitch.
Few players mark more tightly than Shawcross though, and Ba may find it difficult to find space to exploit.
Mark Schwarzer v Peter Crouch
Any team that faces Stoke City knows they will face a physical battle – particularly in the air.
There are ten members of the Potters playing squad over 190 cm, or 6’3″, and Peter Crouch is the tallest of all of them at 201 cm (approximately 6’7″).
41 year-old goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is a huge 196 cm (6’5″) but even he is dwarfed by the former England forward.
Despite Stoke manager Mark Hughes attempting to evolve the Potters’ playing style, at some point in the match Chelsea and Schwarzer can expect to be on the receiving end of an aerial bombardment.