Chelsea has another opportunity for silverware this season as it takes on an in-form, fellow London club in Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. The Blues played their hearts out for two whole hours in the Spanish capital on Tuesday before being knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Real Madrid. Manager Thomas Tuchel has not hinted at a possibility for rotation in his pre-match press conference at Cobham, despite extreme fatigue following the full-time whistle.
Chelsea has won eight consecutive away matches in all competitions, a new club record. Crystal Palace recently beat Everton 4-0 in the previous FA Cup round to set up a date with the Blues in the semifinals. Last time out though, the south Londoners lost away at Leicester City, 2-1, in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Chelsea won away against Real Madrid, 3-2. Unfortunately, the result and the Blues’ best efforts weren’t enough as they lost on aggregate.
Here is who The Pride of London believes Thomas Tuchel will start in the FA Cup semifinal:
Kepa Arrizabalaga (No. 1) Goalkeeper, Spain
Kepa Arrizabalaga has started two out of the previous four matches in this season’s FA Cup campaign. The Spanish international was Chelsea’s go-to keeper in cup competitions as he started the entire Carabao Cup campaign, managing three clean sheets, this season. The 27-year-old is yet to keep a clean sheet in his two cup appearances this season in the FA Cup though. First choice shot-stopper Edouard Mendy played the last nine consecutive matches for Chelsea, so you’d think the Senegalese international is due a rest at the weekend.
Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain
The captain, an ever present and a consistent top performer, has missed out on the last two matches due to COVID-19 (Southampton) and rest (Real Madrid). Cesar Azpilicueta lost his place in the last match to Ruben Loftus-Cheek at right wingback, who played quite well. Nevertheless, it’s expected that the Spaniard will be called back up to the starting line-up against the Eagles.
Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Centerback, England
The young centerback has been out of the limelight lately as he’s remained sidelined over the last few weeks. Trevoh Chalobah has a couple of appearances on the bench the last couple of matches, but that’s the extent of his action recently. The 22-year-old travelled with the squad to Madrid, but he was an unused substitute on the evening. The young talent has a single appearance in the FA Cup so far this season, but expect him to start on Sunday in order to give Thiago Silva a rest.
Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany
Antonio Rudiger was immense in Madrid on Tuesday. He absolutely bossed the defence and scored a cracking header for his troubles, as well. The German starts when fit, that won’t be any different in the FA Cup semifinal on Sunday.