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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace predicted XI: 3-4-3 in FA Cup semifinals

By Leighton September

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with Cesar Azpilicueta after scoring his goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

The England international has earned the respect of the football world—not just by Karim Benzema and Vinicius Jr—for his star performance at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reece James can do no wrong at the moment and he thoroughly deserves his spot in the team. The youngster went on to prove on Tuesday just how important he is to Tuchel’s plans. This is only heightened when he lines up as a wingback as he’s allowed to barrel forward and join the attack.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho was substituted on against Real Madrid in extra time as the Blues chased a winner. He had a heart-in-mouth moment when he shot wide of the target from close range after he could’ve scored to potentially take the tie to penalties. The Italian has played most of the season with a back problem, hence his inconsistent play time over the last few weeks. Jorginho has played in two out of the four FA Cup matches this season. Therefore, he is in line to make it three starts in five at the weekend against Crystal Palace.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

N’Golo Kante has not been in the best of form lately. One could even argue that one of the goals came from a mistake from his side against Real Madrid. However, Mateo Kovacic has certainly stepped up to the plate this season and performed well throughout the current campaign. The Croatian has played three out of the four FA Cup matches this season, playing well in all of them.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

The Spanish international is back in the starting line-up and producing solid defensive performances after a dip in midseason form. Marcos Alonso thought he scored a goal back in his home city on Tuesday, but the go-ahead goal was harshly disallowed by VAR and the Blues were stripped of their joy. Alonso did score the first of six last weekend against Southampton though. He is the best option Chelsea currently has at left wingback, so he’ll start against Crystal Palace.

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