FA Cup: Is this Chelsea's strongest team to beat Stoke City?

Defensive-Midfield: John Obi Mikel

Mikel opened the scoring in Chelsea’s against Derby, as he celebrated his 300thappearance for the club with a second half header. He has only netted four times for the Blues during this time, three of which have come in this competition. Due to an abundance of midfield options at Stamford Bridge, Mikel’s playing time will likely be restricted to cup competitions.

Defensive-Midfield: Nemanja Matic

Matic has already appeared once for Chelsea since re-signing from Benfica for £21 million last Wednesday. The 25-year-old played a cameo role, coming on as a substitute in the final stages of the club’s weekend victory. Fans will be eager to get a good look at Matic in action and the upcoming fixture against the Potters could provide the perfect opportunity for the Serbian to make an early impression.

Attacking-Midfield: Frank Lampard

After suffering a muscle injury in December, Lampard has finally returned to full fitness and he could make his comeback in the attacking-midfield position against Stoke. He is yet to feature in the FA Cup this season as a result of injury, but he has played 18 times in the league, scoring four goals with a shot conversion rate of 12.5%. Despite his age Lampard is still a fantastic asset to Chelsea and he is highly valued by Mourinho.

Lampard’s shots in the PL 2013/14

Attacking-Midfield: Oscar

Oscar has been key for Chelsea in all competitions this season. He has featured in all-but two of the club’s Premier League fixtures, scoring six goals and creating 24 chances – Mourinho has trusted the young Brazilian throughout the course of the season and the team have benefitted as a result. He netted against Derby in the previous round and I would put my money on him doing the same against Stoke.

Oscar’s 24 chances created in table form

Attacking-Midfield: Andre Schurrle

Andre Schurrle scored twice against Stoke during the club’s last meeting and he will be given the opportunity to threaten once again after missing the weekend’s action against United. He hasn’t featured as much as he would have liked since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but the departure of Juan Mata could see this change for the better.

Striker: Demba Ba

Opportunities for Demba Ba have been few and far between this season and he has featured just eight times in the Premier League, scoring on one occasion. He was vital for Chelsea in their FA Cup run last season. He netted four times on the club’s path to the semi-finals, including a stunning close range volley during the quarter-final replay against United. Samuel Eto’o will likely be rested after his heroics on the weekend, whilst Fernando Torres is unavailable through injury. Expect Demba Ba to start.

Ba’s only goal in the Premier League in 2013/14