The Blues go into the semi-finals of this year’s FA Cup having avoided both big guns, Liverpool and Manchester City.

That is not to say that Crystal Palace will lie down and allow themselves to be trampled upon by Thomas Tuchel’s men. However, there is little doubt that Chelsea and their fans will fancy their chances against The Eagles and think that they can progress to yet another cup final.

In this article, we look at the challenges they face to get over the line and win the trophy.

Inner Turmoil

Chelsea is a club that is going through many changes at present.

Firstly, there is the potential takeover after the issues with Roman Abramovich’s regime. Secondly, there is the uncertainty around the futures of a number of key stars.

The two issues are directly linked, as many experts have pointed out that the new owners will be unlikely to invest in the same way the old ones have done.

Romelu Lukaku

When Lukaku returned to Chelsea, it was supposed to be the homecomings of homecomings.

However, it has been anything but, with the strong striker largely failing to fit into the plans of Tuchel.

Lukaku is undoubtedly an excellent footballer, but Chelsea’s play doesn’t require a target man and at times, it seems like he just isn’t a right fit.

For them to compete against Liverpool and City, a fit and firing Lukaku isn’t quite a necessity, but it would be an advantage.

Finals, finals, finals

Chelsea is making a habit of losing domestic finals, with Arsenal, Leicester and Liverpool getting the better of them in recent times.

These losses leave a scar and one that is difficult to remove.

Tuchel will have to drill his players to leave that baggage behind them if they are going to succeed in this season’s FA Cup Final. Be sure if you are attending the game and want to sell your fa cup final tickets the theticketbuyers.com comes recommended.

Complacency

Crystal Palace isn’t anybody’s fool. Patrick Vierra has created a side that is able to compete for a top-half finish in the Premier League and be a real player in the cup competitions.

If Chelsea is looking beyond them, they may rue that mistake.

Wilfred Zaha hasn’t won enough in his career and if he is on point, then Chelsea’s defence could be in for a difficult day.

 

Heads turning

Chelsea is still a big player in this season’s Champions League, which is a trophy that means more to non-British players than the FA Cup.

If Chelsea has their eyes on one competition, while competing in another, they will be easily dispatched.

As the old saying goes, ‘you can sit on one chair comfortably, but when you try to sit on both at the same time, you fall off’.

Chelsea will have to keep their focus for each competition as they are happening, and not be looking ahead to one, or the other.

The Liverpool factor

Chelsea and Liverpool played out an enthralling League Cup final earlier this season, with The Reds coming out on top in a penalty shootout. Every game between these two teams is sold-out, Liverpool tickets can be purchased via several major outlets.

They could end up facing each other once more in the FA Cup final and The Reds probably have the psychological advantage over Tuchel’s side there too.

If Chelsea is going to win the cup this season, they will have to overcome all of the above and more. It is possible for them to do so, but they will have to be at their very best.