Two disappointing European defeats provide the backdrop for this Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final between Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Red Devils were left fuming when they were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid following a controversial refereeing incident, which involved the sending-off of winger Nani in the second half.

Meanwhile, the Blues head to Old Trafford on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Romanian outfit Steaua Bucuresti in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie.

Both sides, who are in contention for two trophies this season, are expected to make changes to their respective teams from midweek, with United striker Wayne Rooney expected to be handed a starting spot following his controversial snub by manager Sir Alex Ferguson against Madrid.

Robin van Persie could be pulled out of the starting lineup in favour of Javier Hernandez, while Shinji Kagawa and Antonio Valencia could get the nod this Sunday.

For Chelsea, Demba Ba is expected to assume the role up front following his omission from Thursday night's European fixture due to ineligibility, which is likely to place Fernando Torres on the substitutes bench.

This will be the first time that Rafael Benitez's Blues have played at Old Trafford this season, but they managed to overcome the Red Devils in the Carling Cup at Stamford Bridge following their 3-2 defeat in the Premier League.

Recent form

Manchester United: LWWWD

Chelsea: LWWLD

Possible starting lineups

Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Evra; Cleverley, Anderson; Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa; Hernandez

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Ramires; Oscar, Mata, Hazard; Ba

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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