English FA CUP
2013-04-14 - Chelsea vs Manchester City
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: English FA Cup Semi Final
Sunday 14 April 2013 - Kick Off 4pm
This game is live on TV
Chelsea
Chelsea have dominated the FA Cup in recent years and it says a lot that they have not been beaten in this competition since 2008, except for one penalty shoot out defeat to Everton in 2011. This is also a competition that Rafa Benitez has won during his time as manager of Liverpool so the fans will be expectant that the side can get to the Final this season where they will be big favourites to knock off Wigan Athletic.
The goal for Chelsea this season is to win at least one trophy, especially being in the Semi Final of this competition and the Europa League, and also to finish in the top four in the Premier League. The side have faced a lot of games in the last couple of weeks and they seem to be finding the right balance in games to keep chugging along, although they will surely feel it in their legs sooner rather than later.
They were beaten 3-2 in Russia by Rubin Kazan on Thursday night, but moved through to the Europa League Semi Final with a 5-4 aggregate win. However, this is their 6th game in the last 13 days and Chelsea certainly haven't been at their best away from Stamford Bridge. The defeat in Russia means Chelsea have failed to win any of their last 4 away games and they have lost 3 of those games.
Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill are absent, while rumours suggest both John Terry and Frank Lampard won't be starting. Demba Ba should be available, while there will be changes to the starting eleven with the likes of Juan Mata and Eden Hazard hoping to return to the side.
Manchester City
Roberto Mancini would have felt his recent comments about there not being a 15 point difference between his side and Manchester United were justified after winning the Manchester derby on Monday evening. While the Premier League is still likely gone, Manchester City will feel they have proven they are still a top team and winning the FA Cup will at least keep the trophy cabinet looking fresh.
It was winning this competition in 2011 that has given Manchester City the belief to win the title last season and also keep them challenging for silverware. Mancini knows the importance of winning the competition, especially as rumours are circulating that the Italian will be sacked if he doesn't win it.
The win at Old Trafford means Manchester City have won 6 of their last 7 games in all competitions, although the majority of their strong results have been coming at home in recent weeks. However, they have won 2 of their last 3 away games and they have only conceded 3 goals in their last 7 games overall.
David Silva will need to pass a late fitness test to determine his availability, although his injury has been improving in the last couple of days. Sergio Aguero will likely start after scoring the winning goal on Monday.
Head to Head
Manchester City beat Chelsea 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium last month, although Frank Lampard missed a penalty when the game was still goalless.
That was the third meeting this season and City have two wins, while the other was a goalless draw.
City have also won 6 of their last 9 games against Chelsea, losing 2 and one ending in a draw.
Prediction
Both teams are desperate to add some silverware to what has otherwise been a fairly disappointing season, but I think Manchester City are the more desperate and can win.
I also think Chelsea are going to find it tough with this being their 6th game in 13 days and I just think City have the confidence from their win on Monday to find a way to get the job done here.
The Pick :
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Manchester City to Win @ 2.40 (Paddy Power)
