FA Cup

Chris Hughton predicts Chelsea backlash

By Robert Summerscales, Reporter | 06 March 2012

Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton expects Chelsea to "up their game" when the two sides meet tonight in their FA Cup replay at St Andrews.

Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton is expecting Chelsea to "up their game" when the two sides meet tonight in their FA Cup replay at St Andrews.

Andre Villas-Boas was dismissed from his position at Stamford Bridge on Sunday following the club's 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion.

The Portuguese was replaced by Roberto Di Matteo on a caretaker basis and Hughton is expecting the London side to come out firing to impress their new leader.

"When there is a managerial change, there is a decent percentage of times when the results turn for the better," Hughton told the Daily Star.

"You generally see a reaction from the players when they try to up their game. That is all Roberto will hope for. He is a good Chelsea man and I'm sure he'll get the right staff around him."

In 2010, Hughton was controversially sacked by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and the 53-year-old feels sympathy for Villas-Boas.

He added: "I felt he needed time to finish the job he wanted to complete and I was saddened to hear the news."

Birmingham have only lost twice at home in all competitions this season.