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Merse writes off Chelsea

Paul Merson may be a Chelsea fan but he believes Mauricio Pochettino's men have no chance against Aston Villa tonight. 

The struggling Blues head to Villa Park for their FA Cup fourth-round replay on the back of bruising Premier League defeats to Liverpool and Wolves, in which they shipped a total of eight goals.

And Merson, who starred for London rivals Arsenal during a stellar playing career, fears the worst for Pochettino's side. 

Writing in his Sky Sports column, he said: "It was bad against Liverpool but it got worse against Wolves. Losing 4-2 at home — no disrespect to Wolves — is not acceptable for Chelsea.

"I started supporting Chelsea at age five. My first game was 50 years ago. 

"I can't remember us getting beaten conceding four twice in a row and, believe me, when I was growing up supporting Chelsea, we weren't great. 

"There are too many players that are not good enough. Chelsea aren't a team. Pochettino has too many options but he hasn't got too many good players.

"I don't give Chelsea a chance on Wednesday night, not even a chance. Everyone would be surprised if they won that game."

Whites display a little extra

Daniel Farke was full of praise for Leeds after they booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-1 win at Championship rivals Plymouth. 

With the match deadlocked at 1-1, extra-time strikes by subs Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville and a Ryan Hardie own goal booked a showdown with Aston Villa or Chelsea in the last 16 for Farke's men.

Brendan Galloway's 78th-minute chested goal for Argyle had cancelled out Wilfried Gnonto's 66th-minute opener to force the match into an additional 30 minutes. 

Farke, 47, said: "It was nearly the perfect away performance. We were so dominant, we created so many chances, scored the goals but we also hit the crossbar twice and the post. 

"I want to say firstly congratulations to Plymouth — a brave side, a confident side. They never know when they are beaten. 

"They found a way in both games to get a foot in the door although we were so dominant. We dominated the second half.

"Plymouth scored out of nothing but we showed great heart to win. We invested so much energy and mentality into the game and showed a real will to win. 

"I am happy with the performance as we gave everything. I don't look too far ahead but we can think about the next round when it comes around. It will be an exciting game."

Hayes plays down quadruple talk

Emma Hayes has distanced herself from talk of a quadruple in her final season as Chelsea boss. 

The Blues can advance to the semi-finals of the Conti Cup if they beat Sunderland tonight, while Crystal Palace stand in their way of progression in the FA Cup on Sunday. 

Hayes' side then host Women's Super League rivals Manchester City on February 16 in what could be a decisive fixture in their bid to win a fifth successive title. 

But the 47-year-old tactician, who saw Chelsea paired with Ajax in the Champions League quarter-finals yesterday, knows there are obstacles galore to overcome before thoughts can turn to securing silverware on four fronts. 

She said: "Guarding against complacency always starts with me — and I respect everyone.

"I always present the preparation almost identically — I don't pick between opponents. 

"It's the same no matter who we play and that level of prep both on and off the pitch is a habit we have all developed in my time here.

"Most of the time I dream about just getting through the day. I don't occupy my mind thinking about that [the quadruple].

"We're where we want to be today and that is all I can ask of the squad."

Leah's return delights Eidevall

Jonas Eidevall is delighted to have Leah Williamson back in action as Arsenal chase glory on three fronts. 

England ace Williamson, 26, returned to the starting line-up for the first time since damaging her ACL as the Gunners lost 2-1 at West Ham last Sunday. 

That result dented their title hopes but Eidevall is confident the centre-back's presence will make a big difference as they bid to retain the Conti Cup, go all the way in the FA Cup and bid to overhaul Chelsea at the top of the table. 

He told Arsenal's official website: "I thought her performance [at West Ham] was good. It was really nice to see her back playing in the WSL again.

"We need to have competition in the squad and I think we saw that at the weekend with players coming off the bench and doing very well.

"We will need all our players to step up and step in for the team."

Police make arrest

West Midlands Police have arrested a man on suspicion of racially abusing Birmingham's Juninho Bacuna. 

Midfielder Bacuna, 26, was seen in conversation with the officials and senior stewards, pointing to somebody in the home end during Saturday's 1-0 defeat at West Brom. 

And WMP say a 50-year-old from Dudley has been detained and questioned on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

They are also appealing to supporters in the Halfords Lane Stand who saw or heard the incident to assist with the investigation. 

A statement from the Baggies said: "West Bromwich Albion has suspended the season ticket of a man arrested on suspicion of racially abusing Birmingham player Juninho Bacuna at The Hawthorns on Saturday. 

"A 50-year-old from Dudley has been detained and questioned on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence."