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Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Terry

John Terry is happy with Arsenal and Manchester United being in the limelight at this stage of the season and feels Chelsea can take advantage of their new underdog status.

United have been in hot pursuit of Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League, while Arsene Wenger's men have taken the plaudits in the Champions League this week following their epic win against AC Milan.

Chelsea are only seven points off the pace and have to play their title rivals at Stamford Bridge, where they have not lost for two years in league action.

They also eased into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with victory over Olympiacos this week and they face Barnsley tomorrow in the FA Cup.

However, there has been little talk of a treble since the Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham at Wembley.

"We like it that way," said skipper Terry.

"A few people are slowly mentioning us but we are out of the way at the minute and hopefully we can stay that way as long as possible until the end and then can put some pressure on.

"If we can keep winning and putting pressure on that's all we can do."

Tykes boss Simon Davey is ready to burst their bubble, though, and he believes lightning can strike twice after his side dismissed Liverpool last time out.

The Tykes pulled off one of the greatest FA Cup shocks for many seasons when they beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the last round.

"Anything's possible," said Davey.

"We've already beaten Liverpool at Anfield, so why can't we beat Chelsea at Oakwell? We've only lost twice at home all season.

"Of course, Chelsea are a different proposition to any team we've played here this season as they've multi-million pound players, internationals in every position

"But my players have a belief that every time they take to the pitch, they can win, and I'm not going to take that away from them."

Manchester United continue their quest for three trophies against Portsmouth and Darren Fletcher believes the fierce competition for places will drive them towards their goals.

Already in the Champions League quarter-finals, the Old Trafford club will be aiming to reach the FA Cup semi-finals when they face Harry Redknapp's team.

After spending much of the season on the fringes of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, midfielder Fletcher has started three of the last five matches and is relishing the opportunity to shine.

He said: "When you get a chance to play you really have to grasp it because there is such fierce competition for places.

"The manager has a great squad to choose from so when you do get the nod you have to go there and perform to a high level."

Pompey striker Milan Baros believes an away assignment against the Red Devils is the most difficult tie in the round, but refuses to write off his side's chances.

"It was the worst draw we could have got.

"But that's football for you. We'll go there full of confidence and with a great away record," he said.

"At the very least we feel we can get the draw to bring them back down to Fratton Park."

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is relishing the chance to book his place at the new Wembley Stadium when his side face Cardiff on Sunday.

Schwarzer missed Boro's 1997 final appearance because he was cup-tied, making him doubly anxious to help his side book their last four place at the national stadium this time around.

Schwarzer told Boro's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "I played at the old stadium and I haven't had the chance to play at the new one yet so that would be an unbelievable occasion.

"It's the new Wembley now, it's a lot bigger and a lot better and it's an opportunity you really don't want to let slip by. For me it is a big incentive."

Meanwhile, the Australian goalkeeper's opposite number, Cardiff number one Peter Enckelman, insists his side's run to the FA Cup quarter-finals is not the reason for their recent poor league form.

The Bluebirds head to The Riverside with just one victory from their last seven games - the win over Wolves in the previous round.

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