Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is confident his side can take the confidence from qualifying for the semifinals of the Europa League, when they face Manchester City in the F.A. Cup semifinals at Wembley Sunday.
The Blues have been the most successful club in recent years in the F.A. Cup and know exactly what it takes to win the trophy. Chelsea, though, are coming back from a long trip to Russia, with City not having played a game for six days.
"I'm sure they'd rather have stayed in the Champions League or Europa League, which brought them a more confident and successful season than they've had, so I think they'll be on a high from their last result in the league but other than that it's an even start for two good teams," Lampard told the club's official website.
"If they're at their best and we're below our best they'll probably win the game, and vice-versa. You're talking about two very good teams and I've got a lot of respect for them. It will be a good match, especially if both teams are at their best."
Lampard insists City are still very much a force, despite their failings in the English Premier League this season.
"I've seen some people be quite negative about them this year because they set a level last year," he added. "It's been difficult this year for a lot of teams because Man United have been very consistent in the league and pulled away, but Man City are a top football team.
"There are a few key threats. (Carlos) Tevez is a fantastic player, I love his energy and his quality, he's always a threat and he's done it against us a few times. (Sergio) Aguero, with what he did the other night, his speed off the mark and his ability, they have them all over, (David) Silva, (Yaya) Toure, so you can't isolate Tevez but he is a fantastic player."
Lampard is likely to be left on the bench, having played on Thursday, while John Terry could also find himself out of the starting lineup. The Blues will be without Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole, but Ryan Bertrand and Demba Ba are expected to return to the squad.
City are worried about the fitness of David Silva, who has a hamstring injury. Mancini will take a late call on whether to field the influential playmaker.
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Expected lineups: Chelsea: Cech; Azpilcueta, 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
