Prediction: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport

We’re down to the final four in this season’s FA Cup and with the semi-finals looming, many fans are wondering who is going to make it to the big show next month. Liverpool and Manchester City are going to be in mix in the other semi tomorrow but today, we’re going to take a look at Chelsea vs Crystal Palace as the two London clubs battle it out in what has the potential to be a fiery encounter.

Chelsea

Chelsea are out of the Champions League and in the Premier League, their primary focus really needs to be on getting some silverware out of the campaign. The best way for them to do that is by grinding out an FA Cup triumph and so far in the competition, they’ve managed to beat Chesterfield, Plymouth, Luton and Middlesbrough in what’s been a pretty easy run for them.

Team News

Lukaku and Barkley are believed to be fitness doubts with Chilwell and Hudson-Odoi being ruled out through injury.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace look like a team reborn under the guidance of Patrick Vieira and with a top half finish on the horizon, you’d think that would be more than enough to dub this a successful season. Alas, they’re also just two wins away from capturing the FA Cup, which would be the definition of an impressive accomplishment. So far they’ve beaten Millwall, Hartlepool, Stoke and Everton in a fascinating route.

Team News

Gallagher is ineligible to play against parent club Chelsea, Ferguson has been ruled out and the following players are fitness doubts: Olise, Hughes and Mitchell.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting in February, Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 1-0.
• Chelsea have won four and lost two of their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 15 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have scored 12 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

When the lights are shining bright at Wembley, we’re expecting to see both of these clubs step up to the mark and put on a real show. Palace are going to come forward and really push Chelsea back but in doing so, they’ll almost certainly leave themselves vulnerable at the back. In the end, we think the Blues will edge out a 2-1 win – but it won’t be without a real fight from the Eagles.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: 888sport