Manchester City and Chelsea are the last two winners of the F.A. Cup. For one, this trophy represents the only remaining shot at silverware this season. For the other, it will be yet another F.A. Cup to add to their cabinet, even if they have bigger fish to fry come the end of the season.
When Chelsea and City face each other in the F.A. Cup semifinals at Wembley, it will be a battle of two teams trying to salvage something out of an otherwise disappointing season.
City have given up their title chase, despite their 2-1 win over Manchester United last Monday. The reigning champions trail United by 12 points, with just seven games remaining.
Chelsea, on the other hand, still have a lot to play for in the Premier League, as they battle for a top four spot and with it Champions League for next season.
The Blues are also in the final four of the Europa League, where they face FC Basel, the team that knocked Tottenham out of the competition in the quarterfinals.
The last time the two sides met, it was barely a contest as City coasted to a 2-0 win at the Etihad in February. Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez insists his side will not be as sub-par as they were in that match.
"We know what we did wrong against them in the league and we'll make sure we don't make the same mistakes," Benitez said.
"They're a good team in a good position in the table, and did well against Manchester United the other day. We know it will be difficult but it's a semifinal in a massive competition.
"They're a good team, a strong squad. They have a manager with experience and they have confidence at the moment. We know we'll have to do our best if we want to progress."
No team has been as successful as Chelsea in recent times in the F.A. Cup. The London side have won four of the last six, and are also defending champions; so they know exactly what it takes to win the famous trophy.
City will know they will have to be at their best if they are to keep their hopes of picking up at least one trophy this season alive.
"Every game against Chelsea is difficult," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "They are a good team in their best moment this season, doing very well and I am happy for Rafael Benitez because he is a good manager.
"This game is important. It will be different from the other game we played against Chelsea. It is more difficult, they are in a good moment."
City are sweating on the fitness of David Silva, who is struggling with a hamstring injury picked up in the 2-1 win over United on Monday. Mancini said he will make a late decision on whether the Spanish playmaker can be involved.
"We will decide on the day of the game (whether he will play)," Mancini added. "We don't know if it is possible but if there is a risk, he doesn't play.
"It is getting better. Yesterday he ran. I think we have a chance. I don't think he can play 100 percent but it is important he is close."
Chelsea will again be without defenders Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole, but Benitez is hopeful of having Ryan Bertrand from illness, with Demba Ba also expected to return to the squad. John Terry is likely to make way for Bransilav Ivanovic, while Frank Lampard could also find himself consigned to the bench.
With Wigan playing Millwall in the other semifinal, both teams will feel if they can get through to the final, the biggest hurdle will be crossed. Only time will tell, which team shows up on Sunday at Wembley.
Expected lineups: Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Ivanovic, Bertrand; Mikel, Ramires; Oscar, Mata, Hazard; Torres.
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Toure, Barry; Milner, Silva, Tevez; Aguero.
Prediction: 2-1 to Chelsea
