Graham Potter has admitted Chelsea's FA Cup third round draw against Manchester City is as "tough" a game as they could possibly get.
The Blues were knocked out of the Carabao Cup before the World Cup break by Man City, with the Premier League champions proving too strong in a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium. On January 8, City host Chelsea yet again but in the FA Cup, which will come three days after the Blues host the Citizens in the Premier League.
This means Chelsea will play Man City at least four times this season – with the possibility of playing each other in the Champions League as well in later rounds. Potter knows how difficult of a test his team have on their hands but is excited by the challenge.
READ MORE: Graham Potter details Chelsea boost for Reece James and injured stars after World Cup heartbreak
"It's as probably as tough a game as you can get away to the champions," Potter admitted in an interview with Chelsea's official website. "We've got a lot of football to play before then but when it comes, we'll do our best and it will be a tough game. It's always an exciting game and a fantastic test."
It could be another cup exit for Chelsea should they not be 100 per cent at it in Manchester. This comes the season after Thomas Tuchel took the side to both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final, only to be beaten by Liverpool on both occasions.
Tuchel also got Chelsea to a FIFA Club World Cup final (won), another FA Cup final (lost) and a Champions League final (won) during his time at Stamford Bridge. The German really was the master of knockout football.
There aren't really any managers in world football that pop to your head that you'd want instead of Tuchel for a knockout match. He was that good, and it's something Potter should look to replicate at Chelsea.
The football club is built on winning major honours. It's now a part of Chelsea's DNA. It attracts the top players and it keeps the current crop happy with what's going on.
There is, though, a slightly problematic challenge when it comes to cup competitions, particularly in the earlier rounds. Finding the right balance. Against City in the Carabao Cup, Potter made a host of changes which were necessary given the amount of football Chelsea had played around that time.
When Chelsea go to the Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup, it may be a similar case. It will be their fourth game in just 12 days, as club football looks to make up time after the World Cup break. It could be one where we see the likes of Lewis Hall, who impressed last time out at the Etihad, once again and there could also be a case for the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Omari Hutchinson.
However, while it's great for supporters to see their latest batch of youth stars play against elite opposition, it also reduces the chance of the team progressing into the next round of the competition. So for Potter, it's about finding the right balance of rotating his squad to keep them fresh and picking a side strong enough to progress in the tournament.
Unfortunately for the newly-appointed Chelsea head coach, he has been dealt two ties against the brilliant Manchester City. He will be hoping next season will see the Blues draw some lower league opposition in the early rounds of the domestic competitions.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea benefit from World Cup opportunity Graham Potter must make most of when season restarts
Graham Potter must be aware of Kai Havertz problem if Chelsea secure Christopher Nkunku transfer
Memphis Depay one of three summer transfers Chelsea can secure for Graham Potter in January
Todd Boehly can secure £65m transfer for Hakim Ziyech replacement to solve key Chelsea problem
Who is Gonacalo Ramos? Cristiano Ronaldo replacement Arsenal and Chelsea should seal transfer for
