Bookies favour Chelsea to retain Football Association Cup

Bookies have placed Premier League leaders Chelsea as the new clear favourites with 3-1 odds to retain the Football Association Cup following Sunday’s fourth-round draw.

The Blues visit Preston after thumping Watford 5-0, and with Manchester United losing to Leeds, bookies say the trophy is Chelsea’s to lose, The Express reports.

The game against Watford was Chelsea’s first game without Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Mikel and Michael Essien.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti reckons that striker Daniel Sturridge's two-goal display in the game gives the team increased depth for some crucial games to follow.

“It was a good performance and Sturridge played very well. Without Drogba, it was important to have him in good condition. He scored two goals and that's important for a striker, to score, but he deserved that,” Ancelotti said.

“It will improve his confidence and his possibilities. He has a lot of potential and great quality and can show it on the pitch in January. We can do well in January without the African players,” he added.