Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea side have a huge chance of booking a place in yet another cup final this season when they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday. The competition remains the Blues’ best hope of earning more silverware this season, with the league seemingly out of their grasp as well as their Champions League exit in midweek.
It won’t be an easy ride for the German coach though, with Patrick Vieira and his Palace side causing a number of problems for sides at the top of the Premier League this season. It’s something that Tuchel is aware of heading into the match at Wembley.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the manager said: “He's [Vieira] done a fantastic job, created a very energetic team full of individual quality and very, very dangerous counter-attacking team. A committed group, very tough to play against in the league and will be a tough one.”
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With that said, here’s a look at how a number of football pundits have predicted the tie to go.
Paul Merson - Sportskeeda
Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has told Sportskeeda that he believes Chelsea are set for an emphatic win over their London rivals. He said: “With Conor Gallagher unavailable for Crystal Palace, I see nothing but a Chelsea win here.”
Score prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace
Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport
Mark Lawrenson also believes that Chelsea are set to make their way through to the final, claiming they can cause the Eagles some problems during the game. He told BBC Sport : “Crystal Palace are a talented and very energetic side, but their young players will need to handle the occasion at Wembley as well as deal with Chelsea. It's a big ask.
“I think Tuchel will find a way to keep Palace's front three quiet and, as we saw from the chances they created against Real, Chelsea look very dangerous when they come forward. I have a feeling they will get the job done.”
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace
Michael Owen - BetVictor
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen is another to believe that the Blues will book a place at Wembley in May, but not with a comfortable margin. Owen believes that the Chelsea side can take their spirited performance from Tuesday against Real Madrid into the game.
Speaking to BetVictor, he said: “I think Palace will play with nothing to lose and I wouldn’t be shocked to see them score here. I just think Chelsea will be too strong. I think they’ll enter this with renewed optimism after Tuesday’s performance and win this.”
Score prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace
