Chelsea vs Man City Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea and Manchester City face off against each other at Wembley on Sunday in the semi final of the FA Cup.

With the winners facing Wigan in the final, who ever wins this one will be considered overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy in May.

Chelsea are looking to lift the FA Cup for a staggering fifth time in seven years and are the current holders having beaten Liverpool in last years final 2-1. However, City have also tasted success in recent times having beaten Stoke City to lift the 2011 trophy.

Rafa Benitez men have made there way to the semi final with wins over Southampton, Brentford and Middlesbrough before beating Manchester United in a replay 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the quarters.

City’s progress has been far easier with Roberto Mancini’s side beating Watford, Stoke, Leeds and Barnsley so far without conceding a single goal.

Chelsea may be feeling the effects of their long-haul trip to Russia on Thursday where they edged past Rubin Kazan 5-4 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 3-2. City didn’t play in midweek but kept their slim title hopes alive with a 2-1 win over United at Old Trafford last Monday.

Team News

Rafa Benitez is expected to keep faith with striker Fernando Torres up front with the Spaniard scoring three in his has two games. Demba Ba picked up a knock against Sunderland last weekend so may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Ryan Bertrand has recovered from illness and will start at left back with Ashley Cole continuing on the sidelines with a hamstring problem. Gary Cahill is also still out with a knee injury and joins long-term injury victim Oriol Romeu on the treatment table.

John Terry and Frank Lampard are expected to be rested with Branislav Ivanovic and Eden Hazard coming back in.

Manchester City are sweating on the fitness of David Silva after he picked up a hamstring strain against Man Utd last time out. Mancini will give him until the last minute to prove his fitness but this game may come too soon.

Striker Sergio Aguero is likely to be recalled to the starting line-up after coming off the bench to score the winner at Old Trafford.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

City may be hoping the Chelsea players are feeling the effects of their trip to Russia in midweek but I can see the Blues edging this one. Rafa Benitez just seems to know how to win cups and I wouldn’t bet against him adding the 2012/13 FA Cup to his collection. Chelsea 2-1 Man City

What would be your starting eleven and whats your score prediction for the game? Get involved in the comments section below.