FA Cup semi-final: All details as Chelsea aim to dampen City’s title hopes

Manchester City and Chelsea face off at Wembley on Saturday night in the first 2023–24 FA Cup semi-final.

The Cityzens battled through Wednesday night’s match against Real Madrid going into this weekend’s match. With a 4–4 aggregate score, their Champions League quarterfinal went on to penalties.

Former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scored the game-winning penalty kick to send Madrid to the round of four. Unfortunately, Pep Guardiola’s team’s dream of second treble in 2 years was lost in that game too.

Chelsea goes into the semi-final having achieved their most convincing win of the Mauricio Pochettino era to date, while City enters it heartbroken. Cole Palmer wowed fans once more with four goals on Monday night as Chelsea defeated Everton 6-0.

The Blues will be aiming for a better result on Saturday compared to their last trip to Wembley, where they were defeated in the Carabao Cup final by Liverpool’s “youngsters.” These two teams have drawn both of their Premier League matches this season.

MANCHESTER CITY VS CHELSEA TIME AND VENUE 

Kick-off date is Saturday 20th April, 2024.

Kick-off time is 5:15pm WAT

Venue is Wembley Stadium

Referee will be Michael Oliver

VAR: David Coote

MANCHESTER CITY VS CHELSEA TEAM NEWS 

Three Manchester City players, De Bruyne, Haaland, and Manuel Akanji, will be evaluated prior to kickoff after requesting to be replaced before the penalty shootout against Real Madrid in the Champions League. De Bruyne’s condition has improved, according to Guardiola, however Haaland’s availability remains questionable because of a minor muscular issue.

The fitness of Kyle Walker will also be assessed after his first complete 120-minute game since returning from a hamstring injury. John Stones and Nathan Ake recently made a returned from injury, might also play this weekend.

While Julian Alvarez and former Chelsea player Kovacic will be fighting for a spot in the starting lineup, Stefan Ortega, who has started all four of Manchester City’s FA Cup games this season, may also play ahead of Ederson in goal.

Regarding Chelsea’s team, injuries have kept Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, and Levi Colwill out of action. Cesare Casadei, who earlier in the season played on loan for Leicester, is also not allowed to participate since he is cup-tied.

Due to illness or unidentified reasons, Raheem Sterling, Robert Sanchez, Axel Disasi, and Enzo Fernandez missed Monday’s win over Everton. They will be evaluated before play. Recuperated from a hamstring injury, Christopher Nkunku has returned to some team training though and will be assessed too.

Palmer’s starting spot against his old team is expected to be on the right wing, depending on Fernandez’s availability. Palmer could start at number 10. Conor Gallagher will be able to assume a more advanced role if Fernandez is able to play alongside Moises Caicedo in midfield.

MANCHESTER CITY PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:

Ortega, Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodri, Foden, De Bruyne, Alvarez, Doku, Haaland

CHELSEA PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:

Petrovic, Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Chilwell, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling, Jackson

MANCHESTER CITY VS CHELSEA PREDICTION

Manchester City and Chelsea are set to renew their rivalry at Wembley Stadium in what could be a tantalising FA Cup semi-final clash. Chelsea has presented a serious threat to City in their recent meetings this season, but the Sky Blues appear to be peaking at the right moment.

Manchester City appears to be performing better right now than Chelsea based on their recent results.

Pep Guardiola’s team enters this game as heavy favourites because they seem to be hitting their prime at the right time. Even with Chelsea’s persistence, City’s strength and momentum might be too much to handle.

Consequently, we predict that Manchester City will defeat Chelsea 2-1. Expect an exciting match, but in the end, City’s strength may get them to the FA Cup final.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea.

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