Wembley Stadium — London
Team News
TottenhamThe biggest decisions for Redknapp will be in central defence, where Ledley King put in an unconvincing performance earlier in the week. Younes Kaboul went off injured, though the extent of his injury is unclear. William Gallas should return to the starting XI alongside one of the aforementioned two, with Ryan Nelsen on standby.
Rafael van der Vaart and Emmanuel Adebayor came off the bench against Norwich, but should both be restored to the starting lineup for this game. Scott Parker sat out the whole game and will start at Wembley.
probable lineups : Cudicini, Assou-Ekotto, Kaboul, Gallas, Walker, Bale, Modric, Parker, Lennon, Vaart, Adebayor. (4-4-1-1).
Chelsea
Branislav Ivanovic has been handed a 3 match ban by the FA for
apparently 'striking' Wigan's Shaun Maloney in the build up to Chelsea's
second goal against Wigan last week. The ban was upheld despite his
appeal, so Jose Bosingwa is likely to deputise.
Ashley Cole is doubtful after missing Chelsea's last 2 games with an
ankle sprain, though part of the reason he missed those was probably
with a view to resting him for this semi-final.
Otherwise, Roberto Di Matteo faces the usual selection dilemmas, and it
will be interesting to see whether he chooses Torres or Drogba up front,
and also if Kalou retains his place in the starting line up ahead of
Sturridge. With his side facing Barcelona on Wednesday, Di Matteo will
have to manage his resources carefully.
probable lineups : Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Mata. (4-3-3).
Match Facts
Chelsea are undefeated in their last 21 matches in FA Cup.
Tottenham are undefeated in their last 5 matches in FA Cup.
Head to Head
| Apr 9, 2012 | Tottenham 1 - Norwich City 2 | EPL |
| Apr 7, 2012 | Sunderland 0 - Tottenham 0 | EPL |
| Apr 1, 2012 | Tottenham 3 - Swansea 1 | EPL |
| Mar 27, 2012 | Tottenham 3 - Bolton 1 | FA |
| Mar 24, 2012 | Chelsea FC 0 - Tottenham 0 | EPL |
| Apr 9, 2012 | Fulham 1 - Chelsea FC 1 | EPL |
| Apr 7, 2012 | Chelsea FC 2 - Wigan Athletic 1 | EPL |
| Apr 4, 2012 | Chelsea FC 2 - Benfica 1 | UCL |
| Mar 31, 2012 | Aston Villa 2 - Chelsea FC 4 | EPL |
| Mar 27, 2012 | Benfica 0 - Chelsea FC 1 | UCL |
| England - Premier League (EPL) | Mar 24, 2012 | Chelsea FC 0 - Tottenham 0 | |
| England - Premier League (EPL) | Dec 22, 2011 | Tottenham 1 - Chelsea FC 1 | |
| England - Premier League (EPL) | Apr 30, 2011 | Chelsea FC 2 - Tottenham 1 | |
| England - Premier League (EPL) | Dec 12, 2010 | Tottenham 1 - Chelsea FC 1 | |
| England - Premier League (EPL) | Apr 17, 2010 | Tottenham 2 - Chelsea FC 1 |
Prediction
Tottenham looked as if they might have turned a corner after a dismal
run of results when they followed up a good performance at Chelsea with 2
consecutive 3-1 victories, the first of which, over Bolton, secured
their place here, in the semi final of the FA Cup at Wembley. Since
then, though, they drew at Sunderland in an abject display, before
inexplicably losing at home to Norwich. On their early season form, they
would have expected to breeze to victories in both of those games, but
they have been below par of late and it has shown in results.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have lost only at Manchester City in the 11 games
since Roberto Di Matteo took charge, but slipped up most recently in
their game at Fulham, drawing 1-1. They also have the small distraction
of a Champions League Semi-Final against Barcelona just 3 days after
this game. That will undoubtedly affect Chelsea's team selection, but
they will see the FA Cup as the more winnable competition, so will
certainly go for the win here, and worry about the Barcelona game
afterwards.
The last 4 games between these sides have seen 3 draws, and this will be
yet another tight affair. Spurs came out 2-1 winners after extra time
in the 2008 Carling Cup Final, when they last met at Wembley, as Spurs'
'underdog' status in fact helped them that day. They are no longer
expected to lose, and this time round, especially given Spurs latest
results, could give Chelsea the edge. It will be very close though and
could even be won after extra time or penalties.
Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea
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