Bookies have placed Premier League leaders Chelsea [ Images ] as the new clear favourites with 3-1 odds to retain the FA Cup following Sunday's fourth-round draw.

The Blues visit Preston after thumping Watford 5-0, and with Manchester United [ Images ] losing to Leeds, bookies say the trophy is Chelsea's to lose, The Express reports.

The game against Watford was Chelsea's first game without Didier Drogba [ Images ], Salomon Kalou [ Images ], Obi Mikel and Michael Essien [ Images ].

Manager Carlo Ancelotti [ Images ] reckons that striker Daniel Sturridge's two-goal display in the game gives the team increased depth for some crucial games to follow.

"It was a good performance and Sturridge played very well. Without Drogba, it was important to have him in good condition. He scored two goals and that''s important for a striker, to score, but he deserved that," Ancelotti said.

"It will improve his confidence and his possibilities. He has a lot of potential and great quality and can show it on the pitch in January. We can do well in January without the African players," he added.