Man City v Chelsea: Predicted Blues line-up for FA Cup semi-final

Chelsea will aim to reach another domestic cup final when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday. 

The Blues were beaten by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in February, and manager Mauricio Pochettino will be desperate to win his first trophy in English football by lifting the FA Cup next month.

After watching his side cruise to a 6-0 win over Everton last time out, Pochettino will have several difficult decisions to make for the game at Wembley.

Here, we predict Chelsea’s starting XI.

Goalkeeper

Djordje Petrovic has started each of Chelsea’s last 15 Premier League matches since Robert Sanchez suffered an injury in December. The Serbian has been largely impressive and, although he did not play against Leicester City in the last round, he is set to start at Wembley.

Defenders

At the back, Malo Gusto is likely to start on the right, in the absence of club captain Reece James. The Frenchman is enjoying a fine debut season in England, and has provided three assists in four FA Cup matches so far this season.

Gusto is in line to start at Wembley

In the centre of defence, Trevoh Chalobah could once again partner Thiago Silva, after the pair impressed against the Toffees on Monday night. Axel Disasi has been a regular at centre-back this term, but the Frenchman may have to settle for a place on the bench alongside Benoit Badiashile.

Levi Colwill faces a late fitness test but is therefore unlikely to start.

Ben Chilwell could return to the starting line up and will likely captain the side. The England international returned to the matchday squad against Everton after illness, and was substituted on in the second half. Marc Cucurella could therefore drop the the bench.

Midfielders

Pochettino will have a very difficult decision to make in midfield, with Enzo Fernandez having missed out against Everton. The Argentine could return to the starting line-up for the game against City, and will likely be joined by Moises Caicedo. 

Gallagher and Caicedo are set to start in midfield

Conor Gallagher impressed last time out, and is set to start once again in midfield. The England international has played 42 times so far this term, and Pochettino will rely on his pressing and constant running to stifle City’s threat.

Forwards

In attack, talisman Cole Palmer could be moved to the left after starting more centrally against Everton. The Englishman scored four goals against the Toffees, taking his tally for the season to 25 goals. Palmer scored against his former club earlier this season, and Pochettino will be relying on him to carry much of their attacking threat.

Sterling and Palmer could both start against their former side at Wembley

Nicolas Jackson is likely to start through the middle. Jackson also scored against Everton, before being involved in a spat with both Palmer and Noni Madueke when the Blues were awarded a second half penalty, which Palmer duly dispatched.

Former City star Raheem Sterling is back to full fitness and could make an instant return to the starting XI. The winger has scored in both of Chelsea’s matches against his former side this term, and his experience could prove useful for Pochettino.

Predicted XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Chalobah, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.