Wembley has been like a second home for Chelsea over the years. Chelsea’s four FA Cup titles in the last six years is a testament to this fact. Roberto Mancini’s men may be the favourites ahead of the Chelsea vs Manchester City 2013 FA Cup semi-final match, but our success in this competition over the years should give the players plenty of confidence.
Both teams need success in this competition for different reasons. The FA Cup offers a much better chance than the Europa League for Chelsea to win a trophy this season. For Manchester City, it is about maintaining their quest to win trophies especially after having almost lost the Premier League title race.
There is no doubt that City will be the fresher team ahead of this match. They have played just two matches in the last two weeks, while Chelsea have had an astonishing five matches during this period. Aside from the 2-1 defeat against Southampton, Rafa Benitez has done fairly well managing his squad during this period.
He rested the likes of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata during the 3-2 defeat against Rubin Kazan. They are likely to be recalled for this match. Benitez has the nice problem of choosing between Demba Ba and Fernando Torres, as both strikers have been in good form over the last few matches.
Ba’s ankle injury, though, could see Torres starting the match, while Bertrand could return to the starting line-up.
City’s major injury worry is David Silva, who has not been ruled out of this match yet.
City have had the upper hand over Chelsea in recent seasons, but this is one match that the blues cannot afford to lose.
Predicted team line-up:
Predicted score: Chelsea 2-1 Manchester City
Kick-off: Wembley, Sunday, 14 Apr 2013, 16:00 GMT
Hart Walker Jones Cahill Cole Gerrard(C) Cleverley Milner Carrick Rooney Welbeck 4-4-2