Chelsea are having a really difficult season but their hopes of winning a silverware are still alive thanks to the FA Cup. However, Manchester City stand in their way as the two sides meet in the semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.
The Blues are slowly and steadily picking up some pace during the final few weeks of the season as they are unbeaten in their last eight matches and their last game was a thumping 6-0 win over Everton in the Premier League.
Also, since they are not in Europe, Chelsea have gotten a full week to rest for this semi-final while Manchester City ran their socks off in the UCL against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
City will be fatigued going into this semi-final but still, they will be the favourites because Chelsea have not been able to beat them in their last eight attempts in all competitions. The one positive for Pochettino will be the fact that despite having a horrendous season, they have managed to hold Man City to a draw on both occasions in the EPL this campaign.
Chelsea’s team news and injuries:
Chelsea could be without as many as 10 first-team players when they visit Wembley on Saturday and all eyes will be on Enzo Fernandez and Raheem Sterling.
Enzo Fernandez along with another injured player, Axel Disasi have returned to first-team training this week which is a huge boost for the manager but it remains to be seen if the pair is fit enough to face a team like Man City.
Raheem Sterling missed the Everton game due to food poisoning and dehydration but the England international has rejoined training which means he will be fit and available for selection at Wembley.
Madueke has started the previous two games for Chelsea but Poch will need to fill up the midfield with runners which means Gallagher will play in the more advanced position. Cole Palmer has been running the show for Chelsea this season and he scored four goals in the 6-0 win over Everton. If Chelsea are to win then the manager should devise all his tactics keeping Palmer at centre-stage.
In defence, if Disasi is fit then he will return alongside Badiashile but if he is not ready then Badiashile and Thiago Silva will pair up.
Silva has started the last two games for Chelsea but we doubt if Poch will want to use the 39-year-old against the likes of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
Chelsea predicted line up vs Manchester City:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Disasi/Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Gusto; Enzo, Caicedo; Palmer, Gallagher, Sterling/Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.
Stats via Fotmob
