Chelsea vs Palace - FA Cup - sportstiger

Picture Credit: Twitter

The business end of the current 2021-22 season is near us. Many leagues and competitions have entered their final stage. The Mighty FA Cup has reached its semi-final stage. Four teams are left in this competition, out of which 3 are European powerhouses and one are underdogs.

In the second semi-finals, the underdog's Crystal Palace will be up against last year's UCL winners, Chelsea. Both teams will go hard as this is their only chance to win a silverware this season.

Preview

Last year's UCL winners Chelsea are coming off mixed feelings as they were eliminated by Madrid in their title defence but the way they performed in the second-leg at Madrid's home ground shows that this team certainly holds their heads high. As far as their form is considered, Chelsea are coming off a recent run in the Premier League where they thrashed Southampton. Talking about this competition Chelsea came back with a hard-fought victory against second division team Middlesbrough.

While their opponents Crystal Palace were on an 8-match winning streak which broke after a loss to Leicester City last weekend in the Premier League. In this competition, Palace performed fairly well. They thrashed Lampard Everton by a 4-0 margin in the quarter-finals.

Where will the match take place?

The Iconic Wembley Stadium in London will host the second semi-finals of FA Cup.

Where can one watch this match?

Sony Ten Sports will broadcast the live telecast of the FA Cup Semi-finals match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Where can one live stream the Chelsea vs Crystal Palace semi-final clash?

Sony Liv will live stream the matches on its application.

Team News

Chelsea:

For The Blues after suffering a knee injury in November, Ben Chilwell will be out for the foreseeable future. Callum Hudson-Odoi is also sidelined due to an Achilles injury, with Thomas Tuchel stating that he will be out for a few more weeks. Romelu Lukaku missed the match against Real Madrid due to an Achilles issue, but he could return this weekend.

Predicted Line-up

Edouard Mendy (GK) – Since he joined Chelsea, he has transformed the club. Mendy plays a crucial role in Tuchel's team. He is quick with the ball at his feet and his height gives a fair amount of advantage when it comes to pulling off blinder saves.

Andreas Christensen (CB) – Christensen has earned a spot in the Tuchel backline on the right-hand side. His performance on that right will be crucial while nullifying Zaha's threats.

Thiago Silva (CB) – He brings that calming influence to the backline. If he can get his hands on the FA Cup trophy, it will finish off another fantastic season for the Brazilian.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - A bullet header in midweek doubled Chelsea's lead at the Bernabeu, and Tuchel will be hoping for something similar this weekend.

Reece James (RWB) - James is one of the brightest talents in this team. His pace has been crucial for Tuchel's Chelsea. Once again Chelsea will be hoping for a top-notch performance from James.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - He is one of the best players in this position. Over the years, he has developed the skill of going forward and popping up with goals.

Jorginho (CM) – He is always the centre of attention for Chelsea, whether creating a pivotal moment or allowing one to slip through his fingers.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Alonso has stepped up in Ben Chilwell's absence. Alonso thought defensively skeptical but going forward (while attacking) he was a real threat to opponents. Alonso's long-range shots can’t be underestimated.

Mason Mount (RW) – The English youngster is one of the best players in the squad right now. With Lukaku out injured, Mount has taken the reins upon him to keep Chelsea’s scoreboard ticking. And he has a habit of performing well against top teams in big matches. He is already the top scorer for the club with 10 goals and 8 assists overall.

Kai Havertz (ST) - Not as physically imposing as Lukaku, the German offers everything Tuchel requires in a centre-forward.

Christian Pulisic (LW) – One of the crucial players in the Blue's attack, Pulisic provides them much-needed width on that left flank but can also cut inside and be a goal-scoring threat.

Crystal Palace:

Palace got a major blow when their star midfielder Chelsea loanee, Conor Gallagher was allowed by his parent club to play against them in this clash. Other absentees for Vieira's side are Will Hughes, Michael Olise and Tyrick Mitchell and Nathan Ferguson.

Predicted Line-up

Vicente Guaita (GK) - In recent months, competition from the resurgent Jack Butland has pushed the Spaniard to his limits.

Nathaniel Clyne (RB) - He stepped into the line-up during Joel Ward's absence and has yet to lose his starting spot.

Joachim Andersen (CB) - If Chelsea isn't careful, his diagonal passes might cause all sorts of problems.

Marc Guehi (CB) - He is returning to the club where he spent 12 years before leaving for a reported £18 million last summer.

Tyrick Mitchell (LB) - After limping out in the first half against Leicester last weekend, there are doubts about his fitness, but he is crucial to Palace's chances of winning this weekend.

Cheikhou Kouyate (CM) – Vieira's ideal midfielder, combining technique and physicality on the ball.

James McArthur (CM) - In a situation like this, his midfield experience will be crucial for this clash.

Jeffrey Schlupp (CM) - The ability of the Ghanaian to carry the ball should disturb a Chelsea side that will press hard from the start.

Jordan Ayew (RW) – He is finding form at the right time. His presence will be a crucial factor for Palace in the box.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (ST) - The 24-year-old has hit the goal trail in recent weeks, netting three times in his last five games.

Wilfried Zaha (LW) – He is Palace's best player so far and he will play a crucial role from that LW spot.

Score Prediction:

Conclusion

Both teams will want to make the all-important FA Cup finals. For Palace, this is icing on the cake to a fantastic season they are having under new boss in former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira. On other hand for Chelsea, it would be their only chance to win silverware and salvage their season.