Experienced Chelsea defender Thiago Silva may have dropped a hint that he could be starting the FA Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Blues already know that Liverpool await them if they manage to make their way past the Eagles.
Thomas Tuchel will be keen for his men to play their best, with the competition the only feasible piece of silverware left on offer this season after midweek’s Champions League exit. If they are to get through, it would mark a third FA Cup final in as many years for the club as well as the German coach’s fifth final since joining.
The challenge of Patrick Vieira and his Palace side isn’t easy though, as Tuchel addressed in his pre-match press conference: “The constant level on which they are playing, high level of energy, commitment. They are playing throughout the season in the same way. It is a big belief, a real team effort, very close to the coach.
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“They are calming the club down, calming the situation down, which was not easy with so many players leaving before the season. 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.”
One thing that Tuchel will have to ponder over is his team selection at Wembley. With his side having played 120 minutes in midweek as well as five substitutes at his disposal, the coach could make a number of changes to freshen his side up.
That could include Silva, who at 37 is still impressing at the back. Whether he is rested remains to be seen, however he may have dropped a hint over his inclusion for the game.
Taking to his Instagram story, the centre-back posted a pre-match hype graphic for the match, featuring himself and a countdown to kick-off. It could well point to him starting the game, though that hasn’t always been the case when posts of this nature have been made in the past.
The Chelsea coach has some big decisions to make, with a cup final on the line. The biggest of all may be his lineup, with a fast start needed against the Eagles.
