Demba Ba’s well taken volley against Manchester United proved to be the difference on Easter Monday, as Chelsea booked their place into the last four of the competition.
The Blues will face Manchester City in just over a week’s time, but manager Rafa Benitez must manage his squad well over the next month, with a top four finish in the league still a high priority for Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea opened their account in this year’s competition in some style with a 5-1 victory away at Southampton, but a replay was needed in the following round after drawing 2-2 with Brentford at Griffin Park.
The Blues have scored two or more goals in five of their last six games in the FA Cup and the London club’s trio of number 10’s have linked up emphatically well at times this season.
At odds of 2.50, the Blues go into the semi-finals as second favourites in the outright betting market, but a trip to Russia in the Europa League three days before the semi-final clash with Manchester City, will be less than ideal preparation for Rafael Benitez’s side.
Opponents Manchester City have only the FA Cup to battle for and manager Roberto Mancini will be desperate to land at least one trophy, amid constant speculation surrounding his future at the club.
The FA Cup was Roberto Mancini’s first piece of silverware at Eastlands back in 2011 and the same trophy could prove once again to be the Italian’s saviour.
Manchester City’s route to the semi-finals has been relatively straightforward, with Watford, Stoke, Leeds and Barnsley all falling at the wayside and the Citizens have still yet to concede in this year’s competition.
Argentina international Carlos Tevez has already scored five goals so far and the enthusiastic striker’s forward runs and movement into the channels could cause problems for Chelsea’s backline, just three days after their game against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League.
Wigan (5.50) and Millwall (21.00) make up the remaining semi-final, but the general consensus is that this year’s winner should come from the more prestigious match-up.
Dutching on both Chelsea and Manchester City in the outright betting market will ensure a profit if either side lifts the trophy at Wembley and this remains the most sensible play in this year’s competition.
Recommended Bets
Dutch on Manchester City (2.25) or Chelsea (2.50) to win the FA Cup to guarantee profit should either side lift the trophy.
Back Carlos Tevez to score anytime (Chelsea v Manchester City)
Back Manchester City to beat Chelsea @2.37
Jonathan Day is a leading football betting expert who specialises in UK and European football. Jonathan currently writes for Sportingly Better, an online football betting blog that offers free football tips and betting predictions. Follow Sportingly Better on Twitter or Facebook for all the latest betting tips.
