Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: FA Cup Match Preview, Predicted Line-ups, Dream11 Prediction

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace is the upcoming semi-final match in this year's FA Cup as Thomas Tuchel's men look for the only trophy up for grabs at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Match Preview:

As the now three-horse race to buy the club from Roman Abramovich reaches its final stages, Chelsea are battling to keep their on-pitch campaign alive this weekend after a valiant but ultimately agonizing Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid in Spain.

But Thomas Tuchel's side are likely to face another stern test from capital rivals Palace as they bid to reach their 16th FA Cup final overall and fifth in the last six years.

The revamped Eagles are enjoying a successful first season under Patrick Vieira, with their style of play revolutionised and a top-half finish well within their grasp. They have taken four points off both Manchester City and Arsenal this season, so performing at their best in big games hasn't been a problem.

Team News:

Chelsea:

Chelsea's left-hand side remains slightly depleted in the absences of Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi – the latter of whom could now take weeks to recover from an Achilles issue – while Romelu Lukaku is dealing with pain in the same area.

Off to Wembley for the #EmiratesFACup!

Come on Chelsea! 💛 pic.twitter.com/4oIddKWfP6

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 17, 2022

The Belgian did not travel with the squad to Madrid but is now back in training, while Ross Barkley has recovered from an illness but was never going to start at Wembley.

Cesar Azpilicueta made a rapid recovery from COVID-19 to make the bench at the Bernabeu and could now force his way back into the side over Loftus Cheek, and Timo Werner ought to hold his place in the attack after two strong showings continentally and domestically.

Crystal Palace:

Meanwhile, Palace will not have Conor Gallagher at their disposal this weekend after the midfielder's parent club declined a request to allow him to play in the semi-final, and his spot in the engine room ought to be filled by James McArthur.

Left-back Mitchell had to be taken off with a calf injury in the loss to Leicester but is expected to shake off the issue in time to start at Wembley, while Olise has a strong chance of recovering from his foot problem in time to make the squad as well.

Should Will Hughes be able to return from a knock, Nathan Ferguson will be the Eagles' only injury absentee for the semi-final, but Vieira may avoid risking Olise from the first whistle while a fully-fit Ayew is raring to go.

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Head to Head:

The two teams have crossed paths 60 times across competitions, with their first recorded meeting coming in the FA Cup in 1906. As one would expect, Chelsea enjoys an upper hand against Palace in this fixture, leading 33-12 in wins, while 15 games have ended in draws. In their five FA Cup meetings, the Eagles lead 3-2 in wins. Chelsea are on a nine-game winning streak against the visitors

Recent performances in all competitions:

Chelsea:

2-0 win over Middlesbrough

4-1 loss against Brentford

3-1 loss against Real Madrid

6-0 win over Southampton

3-2 loss against Real Madrid

Crystal Palace:

2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-0 draw against Manchester City

4-0 win over Everton

3-0 win over Arsenal

2-1 loss against Leicester City

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Predicted Line-ups:

Chelsea predicted starting lineup:
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Kante, Alonso; Mount, Werner; Havertz

Crystal Palace predicted starting lineup:
Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; McArthur, Kouyate, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Zaha

CHE vs CRY: Dream11 Predictions: