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English FA Cup, Manchester City vs Chelsea

author:422 Football Notes
English FA Cup, Manchester City vs Chelsea

Defending FA Cup semi-final champions Manchester City will host Chelsea.

Manchester City missed out on a treble in the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek.

Manchester City beat Tottenham in last season's FA Cup final to lift the trophy. However, they have lost four of their last five FA Cup games against Chelsea, with City losing 4-0 to Chelsea in the third round of last season's FA Cup.

English FA Cup, Manchester City vs Chelsea

Pep Guardiola's side are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Chelsea, including six wins. However, both of these meetings in the league this season have ended in draws.

English FA Cup, Manchester City vs Chelsea

Chelsea were in high spirits with a thrashing of Everton 6-0 in the league last weekend. Among them, former Manchester City youngster Palmer scored a hat-trick and is currently joint top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals.

Chelsea are unbeaten in their last eight league games and currently sit ninth in the league, just three points behind sixth-placed Newcastle. However, they will face a number of tough battles next up, including Manchester City.

English FA Cup, Manchester City vs Chelsea

Injuries and illnesses on both sides

For Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Akanji are all in doubt. Walker will also be assessed, having just returned from injury. John Stones and Ake are also expected to get playing time. Ortega could start in place of Ederson, with Mateo Kovacic and Alvarez also in contention for the starting spot.

For Chelsea, James, Nkunku and Hugochuku are all absent with hamstring problems, while Wesley Fofana has a knee injury and Lavia has a thigh injury. Casadei missed out on loan at Leicester City for the FA Cup. Raheem Sterling, Alexis Sanchez, Disasi and Bruno Fernandes all missed the last round through injury and are doubtful. Colwill, who have not featured in his last six games, will also need to be assessed.

Palmer will be sure to start against his former club and his place will depend on Bruno Fernandes' injury. If Fernandes is available, he will partner Caicedo in midfield, with Conor Gallagher playing in a more attacking midfield.

We predict: Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea

Chelsea have been in good form of late, and they have had some psychological advantage in their last few meetings. However, Manchester City will certainly respond to last week's Champions League exit. If Manchester City can play at full strength, they should be able to beat Chelsea and progress to the final.