Chelsea v Aston Villa FA Cup Semi Preview

Filed under FA Cup by on April 10, 2010 at 3:50 pm {no comments}
Chelsea F.C.
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If history is any guide then Chelsea will be playing at Wembley in May. Aston Villa have not beaten Chelsea in the FA Cup since 1960 and in their most recent league meeting at the end of March, Chelsea put seven past them to rekindle their Premier League challenge.

However this time Chelsea have some injury worries with Michael Essien, Ashley Cole, Ricardo Carvalho and Jose Bosingwa (knee) all out. Villa on the other hand will be close to full strength as Richard Dunne and James Milner are both expected to play.

So whats the likley outcome? Well I dont expect it to be 7-1 this time but the odds on offer at the bookies seem about right in making Chelsea strong favourites, and I will be expecting them to progress to what could be the second part of their 1st League and Cup Double.

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Tottenham Beat Fulham to Secure an FAC Semi Final Place

Filed under FA Cup by on March 25, 2010 at 1:04 pm {no comments}
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Bobby Zamora of...
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In the Fa Cup Quarter Final replay at White Hart Lane Tottenham finally overcame a plucky Fulham side to secure a Wembley Semi Final against Portsmouth.  In a classic game of two half’s Fulham dominated large periods of the 1st half and were deservedly leading 1-0 at half time thanks to a Bobby Zamora goal in the 17th minute, which will act as a reminder to Fabio Capello of his credentials as a  potential World Cup Striker. However the second half saw Spurs make two inspired substitutions bringing on David Bentley and Roman Pavlyuchenko both of whom scored as Tottenham ran out comfortable 3-1 winners.

They will now fancy their chances of progressing to the Final as they face a struggling Portsmouth side who have been devastated by their sorry plunge into administration. As for Fulham they can be proud of a successful cup run and still have a great chance of progressing in the Europa League .

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FA Cup Semi Final Draw Give Chance of London Final

Filed under FA Cup by on March 8, 2010 at 2:18 pm {no comments}
Closeup of the second Wembley Stadium, one day...
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Thanks to the remaining London clubs avoiding each other in the draw there is a chance of an all London final in the 2010 FA Cup Final.

The Draw is:

Chelsea v Aston Villa, a repeat of the 2000 final

Tottenham or Fulham v Portsmouth.

Both ties will be played at Wembley which should ensure the pitch gets even more damage before the final.

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Villa Win Thriller At Madejski Stadium

Filed under FA Cup by on March 8, 2010 at 1:56 pm {no comments}

In by far the most entertaining of the weekends FA Cup Quarter Final ties Aston Villa came back from a two goal deficit to win 4-2 at Reading, thanks to a hat trick from big John Carew.

Reading leading deservedly at half time seemed to go to sleep defensively in the opening minutes of the second half and suddenly from being in control found themselves 3-2 down as Villa responded to Martin O’ Neils undoubtedly strong half time team talk. Despite Readings Best efforts in the second half they never really looked like staging a comeback and man of the match John Carew hit a late penalty to put the result beyond doubt.

As well as putting Villa into the Semi Final at Wembley this win ended Marin O’ Neils unenviable record of having never won a game as Villa managed in March.

In the other ties Portsmouth and Chelsea both won 2-0 and Fulham and Tottenham will replay after an uninspiring 0-0 draw at Craven Cottage.

FA Cup Quarter Final Weekend

Filed under FA Cup by on March 2, 2010 at 9:47 pm {no comments}

Chelsea F.C.
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This weekend (6-7 March) is FA Cup Quarter Final weekend and the ties include a London Derby, a club desperate for the money and a sole representative from outside the Premier League in giant killers Reading. Every game has a bit of interest to it with plenty for the neutrals to enjoy.

The biggest game is arguably the all London clash between Fulham and Spurs which should be a close game as Fulham are no push overs at Craven Cottage. However Tottenham have finally matured into a genuine champions league challenger and they will expect to avoid defeat at the very least and should win a replay at White Hart Lane.

In the other London game FA Cup holders Chelsea take on Stoke who have overcome the odds this season beating Arsenal, Manchester City and non league York City on their way to this clash. All three games finished 3-1 (whats the odds of that) but they will find things tough away at Chelsea and it will be a major surprise if they manage to reach the Semi Finals.

Ordinarily Portsmouth V Birmingham would not be a tie to capture the imagination of the neutral, but given Portsmouth’s fall into administration many neurtral fans will be hoping they can progress to the Semi Finals and give their beleaguered supporters something to shout about. It will be difficult against a well organised Birmingham side and this might be another game heading for a replay.

The final tie pits the only surviving non Premier League team Reading who have already beaten Liverpool and Burnley in the earlier rounds against Aston Villa who were a tad unlucky in the League Cup Finals and will be well up for this as its their only realistic chance of Silver Ware this season.

Reading have played well in the cup despite their somewhat erratic league form but have needed replays against Liverpool and West Brom and one gets the feeling that their luck will run out soon. I think on this occasion Villa will prove too strong although it might take a replay again.

In the end I expect the last 4 to be Chelsea, Tottenham, Villa and Birmingham.

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Stoke Upset Manchester City In The FA Cup

Filed under FA Cup by on February 25, 2010 at 12:19 pm {no comments}
Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.
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Stoke progressed to the FA Cup Quarter Finals after an extra time win over Manchester city in the replay at the Britannia Stadium. They will now face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 7th March.

Although a great result for Stoke this will put considerable pressure on the Manchester City manager Roberto Manchini who was expected to bring some silverware to the club. Its short odds now that he will be replaced at the end of the season.

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