Blues urged not to take City lightly

london — Guus Hiddink has warned Chelsea not to take victory for granted after Manuel Pellegrini vowed to go through with his threat to send out a weakened Manchester City team in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.

With City due to make the long flight to the Ukraine on Monday ahead of their Champions League last 16 first leg tie at Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday, Pellegrini had pleaded with the FA not to bow to demands from TV networks to move the Chelsea game from its original Saturday date.

But Pellegrini’s request was ignored and City, who also have to prepare for next weekend’s League Cup final against Liverpool, have been forced to head to Stamford Bridge 24 hours later than they wanted.

In response, the City boss has promised to field a starting lineup comprised mostly of untested youngsters. “We always try to play with a strong team in every competition, every competition is important, especially the FA Cup,” Pellegrini said.

“We are very interested in continuing in this cup. But I said a couple of weeks ago if you want to protect the English team in the Champions League the game was played on Saturday.”

At first glance, it appears Pellegrini has handed Chelsea a giftwrapped place in the quarterfinals because Hiddink, whose side played their Champions last 16 first leg tie against PSG earlier this week, can afford to send out a stronger team this weekend.

But the Blues’ interim manager believes the City kids could pose a significant threat because they will be so motivated to make the most of a rare moment in the spotlight.

Hiddink is also concerned City have been stung by damaging successive defeats against Premier league title rivals Leicester and Tottenham and will be desperate for a morale-boosting win.

“A big team always reacts. We are warned. We’ll take ourselves and them very seriously,” said Hiddink, who will be without injured captain John Terry.

“Hypothetically, if City play a younger side they will go to 120 per cent effort so it does not always work in your favour. Let’s see what happens Sunday. “

City’s lack of experience on Sunday could provide Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard with a golden opportunity to play his way back into form. —