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Chelsea head into the semi-final today knowing that the will be facing Manchester United in the final if they get past Southampton. The two Premier League giants will be fighting for their only possible silverware this season.
Before Chelsea start dreaming about the final, they need to get past Southampton – a team that gave them a scare last week. The Saints took a 2-0 lead at St Mary’s but super-sub, Olivier Giroud saved Chelsea.
The Blues scored 3 goals in 8 minutes to turn the tie around and the performance in latter stages of the game is what Conte would be expecting from his players today. The manager rested several key players in their 2-1 win at Burnley during the mid-week and will be expecting them to be at their best.
Pre-Match Press Conference:
In his pre-match press conference, Antonio Conte said, “You have to know I play only to win, I don't play to enjoy. I try to transfer this mentality to my players and every season I start with only one idea in my mind. In my mind, heart and soul I must always have this winning mentality and I try to transfer that to my players. If I win something I've done my job and if I don't I'm very angry with myself, but ready to work harder to win something at the next chance.”
“In this difficult season it's important to try to finish in the best possible way. We have to play every game with fire in our eyes. The most important thing is, in every game to have the right spirit. Our fans deserve that and if we can do that it will be a successful season.”
“To reach the semi-final for the second time in a row and play at Wembley, it's always a good achievement. To play this competition with the best teams in England, it's not simple to reach Wembley, so I'm very pleased for our fans. I think it's right to enjoy it, especially at this moment. It's important to enjoy a very good achievement, you have to try to win, everyone wants to win but only one team can.” added the manager.
Team News:
Chelsea will be without three players due to injury and one because of suspension. Danny Drinkwater, Ethan Ampadu and David Luiz are the ones who are in the physio room while Marcos Alonso was handed a 3-match ban for violent conduct by The FA.
How Chelsea should line up:
Courtois, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rüdiger; Emerson, Kante, Bakayoko, Moses; Hazard, Morata, Giroud.
Conte should opt for a 3-5-2 with Hazard as a #10!
