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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
David Byrom

Pundits make their predictions for Man City vs Chelsea in FA Cup semi-final

Manchester City take on Chelsea this afternoon in an FA Cup semi-final as they continue their quest for a quadruple.

Already in the Carabao Cup final, City can book their place in the FA Cup showpiece with a win at Wembley.

Yet they face a tough game against a Chelsea side that have been in good form since Thomas Tuchel's appointment as manager.

Like Pep Guardiola's side, Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, meaning both teams will go into the game this afternoon on a high.

Here is what the pundits think will happen in the game.

Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport

"Both of these teams are in the Champions League semi-finals, and they will be hoping they meet again in the final of that competition, in Istanbul on 29 May.

"Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will treat this tie exactly the same as he would if they were meeting in Europe - first and foremost he will make sure his side are not open, and then he will try to hit City on the break.

"I can't see Tuchel just going for it on Saturday, put it that way. It is not in his DNA.

"But I don't think his game plan will work. City are going to have so much of the ball that they will create chances.

"If Pep Guardiola's side score the first goal then that could be curtains for Chelsea. I wouldn't say the same applies if Chelsea score first though.

"City had to work hard to get past Everton in the sixth round, but they found a way through in the end. This will be a similar story."

Prediction: Chelsea 0 Man City 2

Michael Owen - BetVictor

“Chelsea and Manchester City meet at Wembley in what should be an intriguing tactical battle between both managers,” Owen told BetVictor.

“Thomas Tuchel has transformed Chelsea since his arrival.

“The German has managed to take a side that were shipping goals left, right and centre at the start of the season and created a rock-hard defensive unit.

“Those solid foundations should keep the Blues in good stead going forward, however, it goes without saying that City will provide the ultimate test.

“For City, they’re already in one final, and with the Premier League almost wrapped up along with a Champions League semi-final to look forward to, this could finally be the season where they sweep all before them.

“In terms of looking at the match over 90 minutes, I think Chelsea will sit in and try to frustrate City. They’ll be hoping if they are successful in doing that, they could nick one at the other end.

“That said, this City side always seem to find a way, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Pep Guardiola’s side took this by the narrowest of margins.

Prediction: Chelsea 0 Man City 1

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