It’s been an up and down last few weeks for Chelsea. The reigning Champions of Europe returned from the international break with back-to-back defeats to Brentford (4-1) and Real Madrid (3-1) and things began to look a bit ominous ahead of some massive matches. However, the club was able to pull itself out of the brief funk and avoid a major skid with two statement wins. The 6-0 drubbing of Southampton and 3-2 win over Los Blancos have Thomas Tuchel and his men riding high, despite being knocked out of the Champions League.
There is no time to sulk over being bounced from Europe’s premier competition though. Sunday brings with it an FA Cup semifinal against Crystal Palace. Patrick Vieira and Tuchel are preparing to meet for the third time this season with a lot on the line in this cup contest. The Blues have the opportunity to clinch a place in their fifth FA Cup final in the last six seasons. The German manager will also have a chance to avenge last season’s crushing defeat to Leicester City in the final. However, in order to do so, the Blues will need to get past the Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Joseph Joe: 3-1 Chelsea
The Blues have been on a brilliant run of form the past few weeks, but this doesn’t mean Crystal palace will be a walkover. One can expect a tough fight from the Eagles, but the reigning European Champions are going to run away with this one.
Kevin Peacock: 2-0 Chelsea
The Blues played their best game of the season against Real Madrid and should have gone through to the Champions League semifinals. Liverpool is awaiting the winner of this game, so Chelsea has to win in order to prevent any kind of multi-trophy feat for the unbearable Reds. Of course, it won’t be easy—these games never are—but let’s face it, Crystal Palace’s best player will be sitting this one out in the stands. Goals from Hakim Ziyech secure the two goals that see the Blues reach yet another FA Cup final.
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 3-0 Chelsea
The Blues should have taken enough lessons from the past three games. Crystal Palace did beat Arsenal easily, but that doesn’t mean Chelsea shouldn’t be beating the Eagles comfortably. Admittedly, Crystal Palace was difficult the last time the Blues played. However, that was one difficult game out of the last five games against the Eagles. See: opening day of the season.
Gabe Henderson: 2-0 Chelsea
The Blues have been in a good run of form after two huge victories in the last week over Southampton and Real Madrid. They have a huge task ahead of them as they prepare to recover from the physically taxing midweek tie. I still back them to rise to the occasion and secure their place in yet another FA Cup final. Who knows, maybe they’ll win this one.
What is your score prediction for Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!