Frank Lampard is hoping he is saving his FA Cup goals this season for the latter stages of the competition.
Blues ace hoping to put paid to Potters' dreams
Frank Lampard is hoping he is saving his FA Cup goals this season for the latter stages of the competition.
Chelsea are well placed to defend their cup crown this year, having eased into the last eight, and face Premier League rivals Stoke in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
Lampard boasts an impressive record in the FA Cup over the course of his distinguished career, and is just nine goals short of becoming the Blues' record scorer in the competition.
The England international has, however, managed just one this season, in the 5-0 third round demolition of Watford.
He admits to being disappointed at his return this term but insists there is still plenty of opportunity for him to make his mark.
"Normally I have managed to score a few in the earlier rounds," said Lampard.
Important
"But I would rather score them in the later rounds when they can be really important.
"The FA Cup has been really good for me. I have scored in semi-finals and of course the final (last year against Everton), and I have had a hat-trick against Macclesfield and a few twos.
"I have always enjoyed the FA Cup games. I grew up on FA Cup football so there is always a little edge to it, for us English boys particularly. Scoring goals, especially important ones, is special. And the cup final goal is very special to me."
Chelsea know they face a stern test of their credentials against Stoke in the next round, with the Potters having already dumped out Arsenal and Manchester City.
Compact
The Blues are expecting a physical approach from Tony Pulis' side at Stamford Bridge, but burly centre-half Alex is adamant that Carlo Ancelotti's men are up for the challenge.
"We have to pay attention to the second ball," said the Brazilian.
"Sometimes it is difficult to win the first one, but you have to win the second.
"You have to play very concentrated and stay compact. (Ricardo) Fuller has quality with the ball and he is a strong, strong man, so we have to play strong also and don't leave any space.
"We conceded four goals in the last game (to Manchester City), which is no good at home."
