2 minutes Pre-match odds and betting tips
The second semi-final in this season's FA Cup is an all-London affair between eight-time champions, Chelsea and two-time beaten finalists, Crystal Palace. With a place in next month's cup final at stake, we at betting.bet will preview Sunday's crucial semi-final. As well as team news and expert betting tips we'll bring the best pre-match odds from our betting partners at Betfair.
Team News
Chelsea have no new injury concerns but are still without long-term absentees Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, manager, Thomas Tuchel might opt to rotate his squad after a gruelling 120 minutes away at Real Madrid in midweek.
Conor Gallagher has been one of the star performers for Crystal Palace but he is ineligible for Sunday's fixture as he is on loan from opponents, Chelsea. The Eagles are also sweating on the fitness of defender Tyrick Mitchell. The 22-year-old limped out of the loss to Leicester City at the weekend and will be assessed at the later this week.
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace: Head-to-head
Chelsea have won nine consecutive matches against Crystal Palace, last suffering defeat to the Eagles in October 2017.
The last FA Cup meeting between the sides came in the fifth round back in 1976. Chelsea ran out 2-0 winners.
Online Betting Tips
Chelsea will be red-hot favourites to win on Sunday but there's always the chance this week's Champions League exertions will have taken a fair bit out of Thomas Tuchel's side. 120 minutes against Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabeu is not ideal preparation for a trip to Wembley Stadium. Will Crystal Palace strike first? Crystal Palace are 11/5 to score first. Alternatively, Chelsea are 17/2 to come from behind to win.
Whilst most neutrals are hoping to see plenty of goals this Sunday, the reality is FA Cup semi-finals tend to be cagey, low-scoring affairs. Under 2.5 match goals looks solid at 17/20. Chelsea defeated Manchester City 1-0 in last season's semi-final and a repeat result on Sunday is 5/1.
Christian Pulisic has three goals in three previous matches against Crystal Palace and is excellent value at 21/10 to score at any time.
Match Odds
To win:
- Chelsea: 8/15
- Draw: 3/1
- Crystal Palace: 5/1
To progress:
- Chelsea: 2/9
- Crystal Palace: 31/10
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