The FA Cup returns to us this weekend, where we have the mouth watering prospect of a feisty, London Derby between the bitter rivals Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspurs. These two have been the best sides in the English Premier league this season, and both will want to move forward towards a possible league and cup double, with a win tomorrow, at the Wembley Stadium. This FA Cup match-up has the promise of everything a fan would want from a great game; young, energetic players, along with physical, balanced sides, both having extremely passionate and intelligent managers in their respective dugouts, with the result possibly having a tangible effect on the title chase for both teams.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspurs
3-Way: 1: Chelsea FC +175; X: +240 Draw; Tottenham FC +184
Spread 0: Chelsea -104; Tottenham +102
Total +2.5: Over +114; Under -120
FA CUP – Match details
This tie among the two teams at the top in the league table separated only by 4 points, will surely have a massive impact on the morale of both the teams, which will have a very strong impact on the final stretch of the season for both. Those who wish to watch the FA CUP match can watch it on BBC one (UK), FOX sports (USA), with the kick off time being 5:15 p.m. (BST)
CHELSEA FC
The past week hasn’t been the best for the blues of London. They were well beaten by a well drilled, strong Manchester United team, who didn’t allow the Blues to have even one shot on target, which happened for the first time in almost ten years. Although they were deprived of key men in their starting 11, Marcos Alonso and their Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, it was clear that they were well of their best form. That defeat made it two defeats in the last three games. Nevertheless, the Blues are still top of the Table, and in Antonio Conte, they have a manager, who not just made Chelsea from middle table finishers, to potential champions again in less than a months, but has also instilled the ability and confidence in his players to face any challenge undeterred. So, it would not be a wise option for anyone to think that Chelsea will not be upto their game on Saturday.
The Chelsea Blues have many players on their team, who have the ability to flip a game in a moment. Eden Hazard, who is having a brilliant season again after the shortcomings of the previous campaign, has already matched his best ever league goals tally (14) and has still time to add a few more goals this campaign, starting from tomorrow. Along with him, they have Pedro, who has always been a hardworking, talented attacker with a killer finishing ability. He was the one who negated ‘Spurs lead when they visited the blues earlier this season with a wonderful curler.
Apart from the attackers, they have Kante, the tireless midfield destroyer, who along with his ability to frustrate opponents, has recently showed his attacking and technical ability with dribbles, chance creations, the wonderful assist for Hazard against Bournemouth being an example. Their defense, even though they haven’t kept a clean sheet for some time now, has Luiz, who can send long raking balls to the forwards, and Azpilicueta, who is arguable the most consistent defender in England.
A bit of a worry, however is the form of Diego Costa going into the FA Cup derby. After rampaging against teams in the first half, he has gone off color in the second half, most notably, after the offer from China was made. Still, his work rate is still the same, and his brute strength and hold up play can still prove to be a vital asset for this match. Moreover, their captain for much of the season, Gary Cahill, who has been admitted to the hospital for the past two days, is another doubt. Conte has said that Courtois and Alonso are back in training, so in case Cahill misses out the FA Cup Semi Finals, we could see either Zouma, or John Terry back in the fold, with another option being Nathan Ake.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS
After the 2:0 loss against Manchester United, Chelsea’s Manager Antonio Conte has admitted that the Spurs are the best team in England right now. And in all honesty, he is very much right.
The Tottenham Spurs have been in a devastating form, with David Luiz calling them the “11 Monsters”. They have scored three or more goals in their last three games. They have a very finely balanced team, with young, energetic blood all around the squad. The first time they faced the Blues, they were defeated with 2:1, after getting worn out, but they very well executed a master class performance when the Blues visited them, in top form, and defeated Chelsea 2:0, with Dele Alli scoring two headers.
If there is a team that knows the system that the Blues play with thoroughly, it’s the Spurs. Mauricio Pochettino has created a wonderful side, who have been competing right at the top of the table for the past two years. They have a youthful energy, and many players in their prime who play with maturity on the field. One has to applaud the way that Tottenham have not given up the chase against Chelsea, being 11 points behind at one point, and now just 4. They deserve all the credit for not throwing the towel, and showing fighting spirit till the point possible.
The Spurs squad is filled with wonderful players. In attack, they have Harry Kane. The young academy product, who many thought would be a one season wonder, has been scoring goals for fun and shutting up his doubters. He is second in the golden boot race, even though he was out twice with injuries this season. In Christian Eriksen, they have a creative playmaker, who has the eye to find a defense splitting pass, or score a worldie himself.
One of the most exciting things about the Spurs team though, is the Dane’s chemistry with young Dele Alli. The 20 yr old has been in outstanding form in front of the goal, and would want to add to his tally again on Saturday. Apart from these three, in Dembele and Wanyama, they have two well rounded, intelligent and strong midfielders, who can contain any midfield on their day.
Their defense, even with the absence of Danny Rose, has been extraordinary, keeping 15 clean sheets in the league this season, allowing only 22 goals to their opponents which is the lowest number after 33 Rounds. The versatile Eric Dier helps Pochettino to rotate from a three man defense to a four man, with relative ease. Another positive is the summer signing, Jansen, who scored against Bournemouth, and that may well be the start of a change in fortunes for the Dutch striker.
They also have a few absentees along with Rose. Young Harry winks has been ruled out for the rest of the season, with Lamela (Hip) and Vorm (knee) also missing out.
CHELSEA FC vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS PREDICTION
Two teams, who have been exceptional in the England Premier League this season, will not save any energy when they go head to head on Saturday in the first FA Cup Semi Final match-up. Chelsea wants to go for the Double, which would be a fitting farewell gift to the departing Club legend John Terry, whereas the Spurs are hoping for their first piece of silverware since 2008.
The FA Cup Semi Final match will be won and lost in the middle of the park. It will all come down on who dominates their opponents side of the pitch, or who links better with their attackers and defenders. Both managers will pay great attention to details, which means a fascinating contest is on the cards. It should be an extremely close match, but the Spurs have been in better form as of lately, which for me, is good enough to pick the winner of this FA Cup Semi Final match-up. Therefore, if Spurs maintain their discipline, unlike the last season’s 2:2 draw, and take their chances as they come, they would probably nick this one from the blues and qualify for the final. I am also expecting both teams to score at least one goal.
MY PICK: Tottenham Hotspurs to win (+184)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (-115)
