Chelsea lock horns with London rivals Crystal Palace in the second semi-final of this year’s FA Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will look to put Tuesday’s valiant but ultimately agonising defeat at Real Madrid behind them, with Sunday’s semi-final representing the last realistic chance for the Blues to win domestic silver wear this season.
The manner of Tuesday’s defeat will however encourage manager Tuchel, his side seemingly starting to hit form following last weekend’s thrashing of Southampton.
The Opposition – Crystal Palace ;
Chelsea’s opponents from South London will however be no easy contest; Patrick Viera’s side have lost just once and thrashed Arsenal since losing to Chelsea in February. The revamped Eagles are enjoying a successful first season under Vieira, with their style of play revolutionised and a top-half finish well within their grasp.
After seeing a seven-match unbeaten run spoiled by Leicester last time out, Palace are aiming to seal a third FA Cup final appearance and first since 2016, when they lost in extra-time to Manchester United.
Palace are still waiting on the fitness of Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise, with both players able to take part in some individual training ahead of Sunday’s game, But Vieira commented in his pre-match press conference that he won’t risk either key player if they are not 100% fit and ready to feature.
Chelsea loanee Connor Gallagher is of course ineligible to face his parent club, with Chelsea turning down Palace’s request for the English midfielder to play on Sunday.
Palace will likely line up in a 4-3-3, with the in-form Mateta leading the line and Zaha providing a potent threat on the left. Ex-Chelsea man Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen form a compact central-defence partnership.
Chelsea Team News :
Chelsea will have exerted a lot of energy during their epic but unsuccessful comeback bid in Madrid, so Palace will sense a real chance to reach May’s final.
The Blues could welcome back Romelu Lukaku after returning to training in the aftermath of an Achilles injury that saw him sidelined for the midweek trip to Madrid. However, Callum Hudson-Odoi remains out with his own Achilles issue and Ben Chilwell is a long-term absentee.
The main issue for Tuchel will of course be picking his players up and motivating them for Sunday’s contest – you can bet Palace will certainly be up for it.
Tuchel must likewise keep things fresh in a bid to ward off exhaustion against a Palace side full of trickery and pacey attacking flair, spearheaded by Zaha but without the industry and guile of Gallagher. Expect some players who did not feature on Tuesday, namely the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta and cup goalkeeper Kepa, to start.
Predicted line up (3-4-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rüdiger; James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 0-1 Crystal Palace (AET)
A cagey affair at Wembley will ensue, with Chelsea struggling for impetus after their midweek trip to Madrid. Palace will defend well and agitate Tuchel’s men, with extra time possibly being needed and a potential big upset on the cards
