Carlo Ancelotti watched his players complete a 5-0 demolition job over Watford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday  – then insisted Chelsea are serious about winning the FA Cup (Chelsea 10/3 favourites FA Cup – Outright).

Two-goal understudy striker Daniel Sturridge stole the headlines in the absence of the injured Nicolas Anelka to ensure the Premier League leaders (Chelsea 11/10 Premier League – Outright) a safe passage through to the fourth round of the famous old competition.

Ancelotti has a tough balancing act to deal with in the absence of 19-goal striker Didier Drogba Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi in January because of the African Nations Cup.

However, the experienced Italian coach said he would use every resource he had to ensure more progress from the holders.

He said: “My players know very well how important the FA Cup is for this club, for this country.”

The Stamford Bridge boss added: “We want to do our best and arrive in the final. We won the FA Cup last year and we want to do the same. We want to put our best in this competition.”