Two wins in two games for Chelsea and they’re on a roll. After a shocking first 70 minutes against Southampton a week ago, Olivier Giroud inspired a 20 minute comeback. The confidence that bred was carried into the tricky Thursday night game at Burnley and another good win, against difficult opposition.
Chelsea will be without Marcos Alonso, having been suspended retrospectively for a late challenge at St. Mary’s in the league game. According to Physio Room, David Luiz, Ethan Ampadu and Danny Drinkwater are all out through injury.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois has sat out the FA Cup games so far this season, Willy Caballero deserves to get the nod, however, it’s the Belgian who’ll likely make the starting XI.
Defenders
With the World Cup coming up, Gary Cahill will be keen to get more game time. He played well up at Turf Moor and has certainly put himself in contention. Conte will have to decide between the youth of Andreas Christensen or the England man’s experience. The young Dane has struggled for form in recent games, Cahill may well start. Either side, Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta will complete the back-three.
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Midfielders
The two wing-back positions are likely to be covered by Victor Moses on the right and Emerson Palmieri on the left. Both played well in Thursday’s win, covering plenty of ground up and down the flanks. Of course, N’golo Kante takes up his central midfield role.
Conte has a decision to make as to who plays alongside the Frenchman. It’s a choice of three players. Tiemoue Bakayoko had one of his better games in Chelsea shirt at Burnley. Ross Barkley is fighting fit and up to bench-warming level in his recovery from that hamstring injury.
Cesc Fabregas, will, most probably snatch the place from both the aforementioned.
Attacking Three
Conte’s experimental two up front worked well the other night. Alvaro Morata though, may find himself tactically missing from this one after a show of post-substitution petulence. With what will effectively be a front three, Eden Hazard and Willian will resume their partnership, as they look to intertwine with each other, creating havoc for Olivier Giroud to take advantage of.
⦁ Thibaut Courtois
⦁ Antonio Rudiger
⦁ Gary Cahill
⦁ Cesar Azpilicueta
⦁ Emerson Palmieri
⦁ N’golo Kante
⦁ Cesc Fabregas
⦁ Victor Moses
⦁ Eden Hazard
⦁ Olivier Giroud
⦁ Willian
The winners of the tie will take on either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur in the final on the 19th May. Manchester United as it turns out. #Spursy
Next: Conte’s Gone, It’s Up To Giroud To Lead From The Front