Chelsea on the brink of a tantalizing FA Cup quarter final tie against Manchester United

The Premier League rivals could meet in the quarter finals on 9th March if both progress through their next matches. Defending champions Chelsea comfortably beat League One Brentford 4-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Their next opposition is Championship side Middlesbrough, who they must overcome if they want to remain on course to defending their title.

Brentford started out the brighter side, keeping possession and creating chances early in the game.

The visitors thought they took the lead on the 39th minute when Marcello Trotta’s strike found the back of the net but the referee had already stopped play due to a David Luiz foul in the build-up.

It was a controversial decision that was not well received by travelling fans, with Brentford having to settle for a freekick.

The second half saw Chelsea put in a real world class performance to outplay their League One opponents. Juan Mata made the score sheet first, just 9 minutes after the restart. Peter Cech’s long kick found Ba who’s deft flick fell perfectly for the Spaniard, his strike beating Moore from 20 yards out.

At 1-0 up Chelsea kept on threatening and the pressure soon paid off. Brentford midfielder Toumani Diagouraga’s pass was straight to Eden Hazard’s feet and the Belgian capitalised on Diagouraga’s mistake with a cool backheel to double their lead.

With less than 20 minutes remaining, Chelsea playmaker Mata created some space for himself on the left hand side before feeding a well-measured chip pass to Lampard who couldn’t miss from 10 yards out.

The 34-year old has now scored a total of 199 goals for Chelsea since joining them in 2001, just three behind Bobby Tambling’s record.

John Terry finished off the scoring with a fine header at the back post on the 81st minute to give Chelsea a more than convincing win against a muted Brentford.

Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Manchester City produced a ruthless display against Leeds United with Toure, Aguero and Tevez making the scoresheet. Two goals each half saw the Premier League Champions cruise through to the quarter finals.

Man City’s impressive form came in stark contrast to Arsenal, who suffered yet another cup upset losing 1-0 to Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

Man City are now one of the favourites for the title alongside Chelsea and Manchester United, who face Reading on Monday for their fourth round encounter.

Wigan Athletic became yet another Premier League side through to the quarter finals without any drama after a 4-1 demolition of Huddersfield Town at John Smith Stadium.

This is the first time since 1987 that Wigan Athletic have reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup, thanks to goals from McManaman, McArthur and a double from Kone.

Umida Ibrahimova

Photos: PA

FA Cup draw:

Oldham Athletic/ Everton v Wigan Athletic
Millwall v Blackburn Rovers
Manchester City v Barnsley
Manchester United/ Reading v Middlesbrough/ Chelsea

The quarter finals will be played on 9^th and 10^th March. Everton and Oldham Athletic will jostle for a quarter final spot in their replay on 26^th February.