Draw suits Blues

Chelsea were handed a kind home draw in the last 16 of the FA Cup, against either Blackpool or Norwich.

Jose Mourinho’s side, who knocked out Nottingham Forest in the fourth round, will face lower-league opposition again.

Manchester United are also at home, to Reading – while Arsenal or Bolton will replay for the right to host Blackburn.

Fulham will host Tottenham in an all-Barclays Premiership capital clash, while Bristol City - who came from two goals down to force a replay against Middlesbrough - will be at home to West Brom in the fifth round if they can muster a win at the Riverside.

There is a potentially tricky tie on the cards for Manchester City, who must make the short trip to Deepdale to face Preston.

Watford are at home to Ipswich – while one Coca-Cola Championship side is guaranteed to reach the last eight, after Plymouth were drawn at home to Derby.

The ties will be played on the weekend of February 17 and 18.

FA Cup fifth round draw (ties played over weekend of February 17 and 18).

Chelsea v Blackpool or Norwich

Watford v Ipswich

Preston v Manchester City

Plymouth v Derby

Manchester United v Reading

Arsenal or Bolton v Blackburn

Bristol City or Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion

Fulham v Tottenham