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Chelsea’s light schedule puts FA Cup firmly within reach

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Steve Coppell (R) and Sir Alex Ferguson (L) shake hands after presenting the FA Cup Trophy prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Steve Coppell (R) and Sir Alex Ferguson (L) shake hands after presenting the FA Cup Trophy prior to The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on May 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Hoskins - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) /
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Chelsea start their FA Cup campaign this weekend against Peterborough. With no European football, the Blues should aim for cup glory.

Chelsea are sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League. This weekend, though, attention turns to the FA Cup as the big boys finally enter the competition. The Blues host Peterborough United in their Third Round clash, in a clash that should hopefully set the tone for the campaign.

While Antonio Conte’s men have strung together some fine performances to catapult themselves to the summit of English football, they have also taken advantage of their situation.

Compared to rivals like Manchester City and Arsenal, Chelsea’s schedule has been significantly lighter. They have not been plagued with midweek European football and have thus been able to enter each league game with a superior level of freshness.

Of course, almost all Chelsea fans would trade some of their points buffer for a crack at the Champions League, but the Blues are cashing in the previous season’s failure to great effect.

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With that in mind, Conte and his squad should approach the FA Cup with similar aggression. All teams that enter do want to win the trophy, but where Arsene Wenger and Pep Guardiola see an opportunity to rest some weary legs, Conte does not need to.

There have been many occasions on which teams still in the mix for three trophies use the FA Cup as respite. They have often come undone as a result. With Chelsea otherwise engaged in only Premier League play, there is a significant opportunity to grab a double.

Given the hectic festive football schedule, Sunday is indeed a chance to allow some of the stars to catch their breath. However, Conte should ensure that there is a overbearing balance of first-team talent and youngsters.

Chelsea’s position at the top of the table makes this clash more dangerous than usual. Their League One opposition will enjoy nothing more than knocking the runaway leaders out of the FA Cup, on their home turf as well.

Conte should frame this game as an opportunity for some of the reserves to make a case for increased Premier League involvement. Michy Batshuayi, in particularly, will likely start this fixture and he will be eager to prove that he is trustworthy when Diego Costa is unavailable.

Next: Chelsea's predicted starting XI for FA Cup opener vs. Peterborough

Chelsea are four FA Cup wins away from a Wembley semi-final. Once they get there, then it is anyone’s trophy. However, the Blues must ensure that they are in that final four lottery.

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