Chelsea vs Manchester City: FA Cup Semi-Finals 2020-21 Preview and Prediction
The FA Cup semi-final is going to witness a high-tempo battle as Chelsea and Manchester City battle it out at Wembley on Saturday night.
Both the teams are not only in good form but also made it successfully to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Chelsea vs Manchester City: Head to Head
To know which team has the better record in their previous meetings, click here. Who do you think go progress to the FA Cup final?
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Chelsea were playing FC Porto in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, leading with an aggregate of 2-0. They did well for most of the game but ended up conceding an injury-time goal, a great goal scored by Mehdi Taremi.
Apart from that loss, Chelsea are well past their shambolic performance against West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.
Their quarter-final tie in the FA Cup was against the Blades, Sheffield United which was an easy game as per the standards Tuchel has set since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have lost twice and won thrice in their last five games in all competitions. Manchester City were in a tougher situation than their Saturday opponents. Borussia Dortmund were just a goal behind the Cityzens before the sides played at Westfalenstadion.
An incorrect decision in the first leg had already helped City in a one-goal advantage but the home side didn't fail to fall behind this time.
Dortmund scored the first goal via Jude Bellingham and took the lead, but the second half saw another controversial decision going in Pep and Co's favor and City were awarded a penalty.
Riyad Mahrez put the ball in the net in great fashion as Manchester City equalized. After a while, Phil Foden scored a World-class goal from outside the box to cement City's place in the Champions League semi-final, City's second appearance in that stage in the club's history.
Manchester City have won four, and lost only in their last five games in all competitions, their only loss coming against Leeds United in the Premier League.
Chelsea vs Manchester City: FA Cup Team News
For the Blues, Mateo Kovacic is sidelined after a hamstring injury in training recently. Andreas Christensen is also out of contention due to a muscular problem.
Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham may find spots on the bench after a good run of games by Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic.Thiago Silva will also be in contention to make it to the starting XI.
For Pep Guardiola, Sergio Aguero would have been a fixed starter for Manchester City in today's FA Cup semi final clash, considering his record against Chelsea. But the Argentine is out. Aymeric Laporte is fit though, and he may replace John Stones to feature in this crucial game.
Joao Cancelo would be expected to start on the left-back spot, considering he was rested midweek. Likewise, Raheem Sterling is also expected to start. Pep Guardiola is likely to rotate a lot of players but still field a Manchester City team capable enough of beating Chelsea in the FA Cup.
Chelsea possible starting lineup: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Werner; Havertz
Manchester City possible starting lineup: Steffen; Walker, Dias, Laporte, Cancelo; Rodri, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Mahrez, Jesus, Foden
Chelsea vs Manchester City: FA Cup Prediction
Considering how Tuchel's Chelsea have improved massively, today's FA Cup semi-final clash would be a nail-biting one.
However, if Manchester City breakthrough soon we may see Chelsea stumbling again like they did against West Brom.
Thomas Tuchel is expected to have a solid tactical plan to keep things tight at the back and hitting Man City on the counter.
Sportco predicts Manchester City to win today's FA Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea. Will Tuchel win his first trophy this season? Or Will Pep Guardiola place their foot in another final?
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