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Ritchie: Game is like every other

Fri 15 Feb, 04:15 PM


Huddersfield boss Andy Ritchie says his side have prepared for their FA fifth-round clash with Chelsea in the same manner as any other match.The League One outfit travel to Stamford Bridge with the chance to cause a major upset against the current FA Cup holders and, in the process, end a run which has seen Avram Grant's side go 14 games unbeaten in all competitions.

But Ritchie, who's team knocked out Premier League side Birmingham in the third round, insists his side will not treat the match differently.

"I don't think we have done anything differently for this game, although we can't even guess at their starting XI it doesn't stop our preparation," Ritchie told Town's official website.

"I don't believe in changing the way we prepare for these matches, we should just approach it as another game.

"It will be a great day and the players will enjoy it playing against those type of players, it is something that doesn't happen week in, week out, especially in our league.

"We are well aware of the magic of the FA Cup. We know what we are capable of and anything can happen.

"We have limited the amount we watched Chelsea as we didn't want to scare ourselves. But in all seriousness, they are on television all the time and everyone is aware of the quality they have."

The encounter will be the second time the Terriers have faced Chelsea in the cup competition in the space of two years.

Eidur Gudjohnsen came to Chelsea's rescue back in January 2006 when his late goal gave the Blues a 2-1 victory after Gary Taylor-Fletcher had cancelled out Joe Cole's early strike.

But Ritchie is under no illusions as to the size of the task his side are up against.

"We know it's a massive game for us and a big ask to go there and get a result. They have some fantastic players and could easily make at least two international sides," he added.

"It will be an excellent chance for our players to test themselves against the best in the country, if not the world."

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