Should the Magpies see off the reigning English champions at Stamford Bridge, they will progress to the last 16 of the competition for the first time since the 2005/06 campaign.

But, with a crunch Premier League clash at home to Burnley coming up on Wednesday, the Spaniard hinted that he is likely to rotate as the Magpies take on the Blues on their own turf for the second time in as many months.

“I think we have to find the balance. I always say we can progress in any competition, in this case in the FA Cup, if we have the squad strong enough to compete,” he said. “We will see if we can do it, but I will use the squad, for sure.

“Every game is important, but obviously we know how massive it is to stay in the Premier League, because of all the money around and then you can improve your team if you have more money. It’s a win-win situation if you stay in the Premier League, so that is something we have to consider. But at the same time, if we can use the squad, we will try to do our best. We will use some players that were maybe not playing, and obviously some that were. I need to find this balance between players with match fitness and players who are not playing too much.”

Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, and currently trail Premier League leaders Manchester City by 15 points.

As a result, Benítez firmly believes the FA Cup will have taken on a heightened sense of significance for the Blues.

“One hundred per cent,” he said.

“I am sure they will consider this the most important competition for them right now. The league is very difficult for them, they are out of the Carabao Cup, so I think it is a priority for them. I think it will be a very strong side in front of us.

“We were waiting for the (outcome of the Third Round) replay. Norwich could be very difficult anyway, but Chelsea, away, is really difficult, but we will see. We scored first in the first game (in the Premier League), and if we can do the same (on Sunday) they will be under pressure.”