As the FA Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Manchester City approaches, Mauricio Pochettino is considering a decision that he has made only twice this season – that of naming an unchanged team. The Blues are set to face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, hoping for a better result than their previous trip to the national stadium, where they lost to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Pochettino opted for an unchanged side previously after a draw with Manchester City and a disappointing performance against Burnley, which led to a stunning hat-trick from Cole Palmer against Manchester United. Now, following a resounding 6-0 victory against Everton, Pochettino must decide whether to maintain the same lineup or make changes for the upcoming match against Man City.
Djordje Petrovic has solidified his position as the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper, securing a rare clean sheet on Monday, the team’s first since late January. The fitness of Axel Disasi is uncertain, but Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella are expected to feature in the defence.
Ben Chilwell, who made a cameo appearance in the previous match, will be carefully managed by Pochettino, while Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah displayed strong performances in the Blues’ back-line against Everton.
In midfield, Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo put in strong showings in the recent game, making a case for Pochettino to maintain the same lineup. Mykhailo Mudryk could also earn another start, although the return of Raheem Sterling provides Pochettino with another enticing option.
With Nicolas Jackson delivering a standout performance against Everton, Pochettino may also be considering him for the upcoming match. However, Pochettino will need to assess the overall fitness and readiness of his squad before making a final decision.
In light of these developments, the pressure is on Pochettino to select a lineup that will not only combat the formidable Manchester City but also capitalize on the momentum gained from the recent victory. With the FA Cup title at stake, every decision becomes crucial for the Blues as they strive for success in the semi-final clash.
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