Mark Hughes admits that Blackburn are now fighting for a place in the Intertoto Cup after Manchester United and Chelsea became FA Cup victims.Following a weekend which saw FA Cup underdogs Portsmouth and Barnsley dispose of United and Chelsea respectively, only a fifth place finish in the Premier League will now guarantee UEFA Cup football for next season.

With Everton having already established a healthy lead over the chasing pack in the race with Liverpool for fourth spot, the likes of Aston Villa, Blackburn and Manchester City are now battling it out for sixth and entry into the qualifying tournament.

With just eight points currently separating Villa in sixth and West Ham in 10th, Hughes expects the battle to go right down to the wire.

"One situation we needed for our own benefit was a Man United-Chelsea FA Cup final," he said.

"Intertoto wise, we are now probably looking at having to overcome Aston Villa.

"Everton look like they can get fifth but it will probably go to the last day."

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