London’s pride is tested when Chelsea and Crystal Palace lock horns at Wembley on Sunday. The little nuances and subtle elements at play here are incredibly intriguing.
It’s a celebratory weekend and with two classic encounters on offer, how could we not be ‘buzzing’?! You simply must take a bet and ensure you have skin in the game!
To Win (90 mins)
Chelsea 11/20 | Draw 31/10 | Crystal Palace 48/10
Chelsea
It would be remiss of me not to begin by saying the following, this is Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in a cup game…I’ll repeat, in a cup game!
The Blues have had a topsy turvy start to the second quarter of the year, they haven’t always looked sharp or clinical, but these phases seem to pass quite effortlessly under the German’s leadership. Even when they are conceding soft goals and losing to Brentford and Real Madrid, the composure in front of the media to defend his ideas and players was exemplary.
Chelsea pride themselves on being a defensively sound football club, happy to counter at times but never taking away from their attacking prowess with an unnecessarily complicated defensive approach. You look back at the Southampton game, Chelsea absolutely demolished the Saints. It was the performance they obviously needed, playing their game, and building confidence along the way!
I suspect Chelsea will show Palace respect here, I don’t think they will try and play at a blistering pace against Patrick Vieira’s side. A controlled performance, one dominating possession of the football and key areas of the field might be the order of play come Sunday.
At the time of writing, the FA Cup is their most realistic hope of a major domestic trophy. However, even without it, I think Chelsea can be proud of the season they have had. In and amongst the political climate off the field, they have secured a top four finish in the league, qualified for the final eight in the Champions League, the final four in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finalists.
The FA Cup campaign for Chelsea thus far has been ruthless, the Blues have scored 12 goals and conceded just four in their four games. I expect a massive performance from them, but this game won’t just settle into the shadow of the City and Liverpool showdown.
Crystal Palace
Palace have been incredible to watch this season. They are becoming that sort of ‘people’s team’ or favourite underdogs! They are incredibly difficult to break down, but they continue to show real attacking talent and ability too.
Vieira has done an excellent job at Palace. His side play a brand of football which captures your attention and speaks to a love for the beautiful game! It truly is easy on the eye – and often this season I have found myself invested in wanting to see that team achieve something.
Vieira inherited a side that was insecure and abhorrently passive in attacking situations. Palace would be happy to sit in and defend, fighting somewhat to give themselves a chance, but their attacking options and decisions were limited and often non-existent…I suppose it won’t mean much now that I’ve said all of that, but I mean no disrespect to Roy Hodgson.
Under their new boss, Palace want to play on the front foot. Taking their game and looking to impose it as seamlessly and effortlessly as possible on whoever they play against. They have a supreme confidence and belief in their identity and, what is most commendable is that they do not shy away from it even in the toughest situations.
This should be an excellent, Chelsea will ask serious questions of this Palace defence and have a right go at them. I’m intrigued to see how this game starts though. Chelsea might feel as though they are holding the onus to take the game to Palace and make something happen. Their supporters might possibly expect an easy win and the longer the game goes on without Chelsea getting onto the scoreboard, the more pressure might inevitably build.
Much like Chelsea, Palace have enjoyed a brilliant FA Cup run this year. In their four fixtures coming into this game, they have put the ball into the back of the net 10 times and conceded just twice.
I can’t wait for this game to be completely honest; I think it might be the real ‘cracker’ on the semi-final weekend.
Prediction: Draw (after 90 Minutes) 31/10
This might be a bold pick, but I think it’s good enough to be added to doubles, trebles, or multiples. Chelsea is an excellent side with a coach who has a particular appetite for cup competition.
In Palace however, you have a side with talent and ability. A side who has enjoyed an incredible domestic season and are playing without fear or pressure and reasonably sustained with an incredible confidence! I wouldn’t be surprised to see them get into the final – but a draw is the play for me.
