Michael Owen: FA Cup Semi-Final Preview

Chelsea and Manchester City meet at Wembley in what should be an intriguing tactical battle between both managers.

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 UEFA 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.

It’s 1-0 to the Citizens for me.

What an opportunity this is for both Leicester and Southampton. Leicester tasted success back in 2016 with their unforgettable title victory, and if Brendan Rodgers added a FA Cup, he would be forever inscribed in the Foxes history books.

For much of this season, I have been waxing lyrical about Saints boss Ralph Hasenhüttl. The German’s talents are there for everyone to see, and despite a patchy run since the turn of the year, there’s no doubt he’ll have his side well drilled ahead of this one.

I expect a more open affair here than we might see in the other semi-final, although I do believe it will also be close.

As I mentioned, I think Southampton are a good side, however, Leicester have been excellent at times this season, and if they show their best here, I think they’ll win.