Manchester City face Chelsea in a blockbuster semi-final in 2023-24 FA Cup at Wembley Stadium.
Victory would see Man City reach the final for the third time in six seasons, whilst Chelsea chase a fourth appearance in the final in five seasons.
Team News
Man City have no fresh injury concerns to report following their Champions League exit to Real Madrid in midweek.
Chelsea could welcome goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez and forward, Raheem Sterling back into contention following their recoveries from illness which forced them to miss the 6-0 league win over Everton.
Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez (both knock) face late fitness checks.
Levi Colwill (toe), Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku (all hamstring), Wesley Fofana (ACL), and Romeo Lavia (thigh) remain ruled out.
When is Kick-Off?
Man City face Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday 20 April at 5:15pm BST live on BBC1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Man City have won five of eight previous FA Cup meetings against Chelsea (W5, L3).
- Chelsea have won one of four FA Cup ties against Man City when played as the away team (W1, L3).
- Both teams have won one of their two previous FA Cup semi-final ties at Wembley Stadium – Man City won 2-1 in April 2013 then Chelsea prevailed 1-0 in April 2021.
- Man City have kept clean sheets in three of their four FA Cup matches this season.
- Eight of Chelsea’s 14 FA Cup goals this season were scored after half-time.
Prediction
With their Champions League adventures now over for this season, Man City know that this is one of their two last chances at silverware this season but they absolutely must be more clinical because they just were unlucky in their end product against Real Madrid despite their dominance.
Chelsea meanwhile can often be inconsistent but have drawn each of their two meetings against City this season, and come into this game off the back of a ruthless league win over Everton where they looked composed and dominant throughout.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues also boast the fitness advantage because for all of their quality, City do seem to have some fatigue issues within their squad so I do expect them to come out and try to kill this semi-final early with view to resting some regulars as early as possible.
Chelsea though should look to grind this game out because if they can get physical and wear City down whilst ensuring that Cole Palmer can cause his usual hijinks, I wouldn’t be surprised if they nick this even if mean penalties – assuming there are no squabbles over each spot-kick taker.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-2 (AET) Chelsea
Result: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea
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