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    Chelsea vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Stream, TV channel, team news for FA Cup semi-final UNDERWAY – latest updates

    CHELSEA are facing Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final TODAY – with Liverpool awaiting in the final.The Blues will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League exile in Madrid on Tuesday
    But Palace are bound to have some tricks up their sleeves going into this huge clash.

    Start time: 4:30pm GMT
    TV/Live stream: ITV
    Chelsea XI: Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kovacic, Jorginho, Alonso; Mount, Havertz, Werner
    Crystal Palace XI: Butland; Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Mitchell; Kouyate, McArthur; Zaha, Eze, Schlupp; Mateta

    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
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    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    33, Alonso floats a ball in and Palace clear. It comes to Jorginho, who lays it off first time for Mount. But the midfielder’s effort is way over the Palace bar.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    32, James bends one into the area, but Schlupp was alert enough to head the ball clear.
    Chelsea with all the possession, now.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    29, Werner breezes past Kouyate before flashing a ball across the box. It comes to Azpilicueta who attempts an audacious scissor kick which spins off his boot and out for a Palace goal kick.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    28, A speculative ball is played over to Werner, and Andersen has to concede the corner.
    Ward gets his head to James’ ball in, and Chelsea have another corner. Zaha is able to deal with it, and nearly manages to bundle through on goal, but Chelsea survive.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    27, Tuchel is screaming at his players. Not the start he was after, clearly.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    26, Jorginho plays a ball straight into the path of Eze who plays a one two before being tripped by Mount.
    Eze plays a discreet ball over to Andersen who was just a few steps a way from it. It’s Mendy’s ball.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace – Chelsea change
    24, Here comes the substitution, then. Finally, something for the fans to cheer!
    Kovacic limps off after picking up an injury a few minutes ago.
    Loftus-Cheek is on.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    23, Loftus-Cheek is being briefed on the side-lines. That could be the end of Kovacic’s afternoon.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    21, Its the battle of the throw-ins at the moment.
    Mitchell wins one, before Mount gets it back, then Zaha wins another, all in the same position.
    Kovacic looks to be in a spot of bother, holding his knee any time the ball goes out.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    18, Palace look to find their rhythm, but Rudiger reads it and clears it forward to an on running Werner. Andersen deals with it well, calmly heading back to his keeper.
    Azpilicueta then finds some room down the right, but his touch is too heavy and rolls out for a goal kick.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    17, Very little to shout about.
    Butland has just held on to possession for what felt like an age.
    Both teams clearly sussing each other out here, desperate not to give anything away.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    14, Chelsea win a corner and James swings it in. But no one in yellow was anticipating the header back across goal.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    11, A tentative first 10 minutes.
    Butland pumps the ball forward and Alonso chooses to shield the ball for a goal-kick. Not quite the ‘end to end’ fans might have expected.
    The ball is then slipped in towards Werner, but Andersen slides in smartly to stop the attack.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    9, Eze gives the ball away carelessly, and Chelsea attack.
    Some cheeky flicks nearly set Werner free. The ball then comes back out to Mount who bends one towards goal. Butland can hold on to it.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    7, We’re beginning to get started here.
    Chelsea have a good spell of posession, but Mount can’t quite sweep the ball on to Azpilicueta.
    Zaha then spots Mateta running forward. Christensen misjudges the pace on the ball, and sets Mateta free. The defender recovers well, though, and dispossess the Palace man.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    5, Mateta attempts to hold off both Rudiger and Alonso near the corner flag before falling into the Spaniard and conceding a foul.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    3, Havertz is judged to have impeded his man, and Palace flood the penalty area for the free-kick. Chelsea get it clear.
    It’s been a disjointed start to this match.
    Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
    1, Andersen’s first touch is… a balloon. Anthony Taylor blows his whistle to clear yet another one.
    I wonder if Wembley are regretting agreeing to this.
    Kick-off – Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
    A slightly delayed kick-off as some of those balloons I mentioned have made their way on to the field.
    Both sets of players now take the knee, and referee Anthony Taylor blows his whistle to get this FA Cup semi-final underway!
    Crystal Palace are in their traditional red and white stripes, whilst Chelsea sport an all yellow strip.
    Here come the two teams!
    The players emerge from the tunnel on to a sunny Wembley pitch.
    The fans are certainly in good voice, as they wave flags and throw balloons around the stands.
    We are moments away from an all-London semi-final!
    ‘Big game player’ Havertz ready for more
    Havertz starts today, with Chelsea fans hoping for another big moment from their forward.
    Since his move to London last season, the 22-year-old has scored some important goals. It all started with the German’s winner against Manchester City in the Champions League final. Since then Havertz scored in the Club World Cup final for his country, before netting against Spurs in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
    Will there be more Kai glory this afternoon?
    .Credit: EPA
    Guehi up against former club
    Despite Connor Galagher’s absence today, his team-mate Marc Guehi will not be denied playing time this afternoon.
    The defender chose to leave Chelsea for Crystal Palace last Summer and hasn’t looked back since, starting 30 out of 31 Premier League games this season.
    I thought the decision to leave Chelsea and come to Palace was the right one in order to get that game time and hopefully show what I can do.Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace defender
    The 21-year-old may still be young, but he has Wembley experience on his side. This afternoon will mark the defender’s third appearance in the stadium after making his England debut last month and playing here for Swansea in the championship play-off final last year.
    .Credit: Getty
    Connor is in the house
    Despite no place in the side today, Gallagher has travelled with the team to watch on as a spectator.
    The Englishman has the decency to sign a few shirts whilst he’s at it.
    .Credit: Getty
    Chelsea out with point to prove
    Thomas Tuchel is keen to right Chelsea’s previous wrongs at Wembley stadium this afternoon. The blues lost 11-10 on penalties to Liverpool in this season’s Carabao Cup final.
    With their Champions League exit, and the Premier League seemingly out of reach, the FA Cup is Chelsea’s last hope of a trophy this season.
    Speaking about today’s tie, here’s what the Chelsea boss had to say:
    We have been in a final there already this season, the carabao Cup Final. We’ve lost both our finals at Wembley. You feel you have something to prove.Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea boss
    .Credit: Getty
    Olise option from the Eagles bench
    Olise has shone under Viera this season, and joins Edouard and Benteke to provide firepower from the bench.
    Guaita, Clyne, Kelly, Tomkins, Milivojevic, Olise, Ayew, Edouard, Benteke
    Load more entries… More

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    ‘Not fit enough for our game’ – Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel questions Romelu Lukaku BEFORE Crystal Palace clash

    THOMAS TUCHEL says he left Romelu Lukaku on the bench for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final due to a lack of FITNESS.The £97.5million striker missed out on the starting XI for Sunday’s Wembley tie against Crystal Palace after recovering from an Achilles injury.
    Romelu Lukaku was left out of Chelsea’s XI to face Crystal Palace due to a lack of fitnessCredit: Getty
    And Tuchel revealed before kick-off that Lukaku’s low fitness levels meant he would not be able to match Chelsea’s tactical intensity.
    The German said: “He is not fit enough for the intensity of our game in an FA Cup semi-final.
    “It’s not easy to come into a game such as this with so much riding on it after a spell out with injury.
    “It’s just a case of him not having as much minutes recently as the other players, his match fitness is not quite there otherwise there’s a big chance that he would have started today.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The 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    Lukaku, 28, rejoined Chelsea from Inter Milan last summer after netting 47 Serie A goals in just two years.
    However, he has only managed to hit the target FIVE times in the Premier League this term.
    And Lukaku is now being tipped for a Stamford Bridge exit at the end of the season.
    Fans still haven’t forgiven the forward for his controversial Sky Italia interview in December.
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    But Tuchel yesterday hinted Lukaku may yet have a Chelsea future if he follows the example of another attacking flop, Timo Werner.
    Tuchel said: “He [Lukaku] had a huge chance against Real Madrid and things can go so fast.
    “Nobody knows what this goal would have done for us if he had taken his chance with the late header.
    “It is exactly what he needs to do — wait, be patient, work hard and put the team first, be ready to help the team, because as a striker you can help within seconds.” More

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    Man City star Kyle Walker spotted in protective boot at Wembley with full-back huge doubt for Champions League semi

    MANCHESTER CITY star Kyle Walker was spotted with a protective boot once more on Saturday at Wembley.That means Walker poses as a huge doubt ahead of City’s crunch Champions League semi-final clash with Real Madrid in two weeks.
    Manchester City star Kyle Walker was spotted with a protective boot at WembleyCredit: Getty
    Kyle Walker limped off with an ankle injury against Atletico MadridCredit: PA
    Walker has been wearing that boot since the Citizens’ victory over Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.
    The full-back limped off in the second leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium as he sustained an ankle injury.
    Thus, the England international missed yesterday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Liverpool at Wembley.
    And the 31-year-old also poses as a doubt ahead of the defending Premier League champions’ next matches against Brighton and Watford on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.
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Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man Utd news .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Erik ten Hag wants Bergwijn as first transfer, Cristiano Ronaldo LATEST
    Walker was replaced by Joao Cancelo at right-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko started at left-back against the Reds.
    City crashed out of the FA Cup as they suffered a 3-2 loss to the Merseysiders, who ended Pep Guardiola’s hopes of a Treble.
    Liverpool practically sealed qualification to the FA Cup Final in the first half as they led 3-0.
    Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring after just nine minutes and Sadio Mane netted a brace soon after.
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    City attempted a major comeback in the second half but only mustered two goals.
    Jack Grealish rekindled the Prem leaders’ hopes on 47 minutes and Bernardo Silva hit the back of the net in the first minute of stoppage time. More

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    When is FA Cup final 2022? Date, kick-off time and TV channel for Wembley showdown

    IT is nearly time for the illustrious FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are through to the final as they hunt down an historic quadruple.
    The FA Cup final is looming for Liverpool
    And they will face either Chelsea in a repeat of the Carabao Cup final, or Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.
    The fixture will be Liverpool’s first FA Cup final in 10 years.
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    When is the FA Cup final 2022?
    The FA Cup final 2022 takes place on Saturday, May 14.
    The kick-off time has yet to be announced, though it is expected it will be around 5.15pm.
    Wembley Stadium will play host to the showpiece final.
    What TV channel is the FA Cup final on?
    The FA Cup final 2022 will be broadcast live on BBC One.
    You can live stream it on the BBC iPlayer.
    Leicester City beat Chelsea in last year’s final
    Last 10 FA Cup winners
    2021 Leicester City 1-0 Chelsea
    2020 Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
    2019 Manchester City 6-0 Watford
    2018 Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United
    2017 Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea
    2016 Manchester United 2–1 Crystal Palace (aet)
    2015 Arsenal 4–0 Aston Villa
    2014 Arsenal 3–2 Hull City (aet)
    2013 Wigan Athletic 1–0 Manchester City
    2012 Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool
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    Chelsea blasted by former player over ‘unfair’ Conor Gallagher rule that sees Crystal Palace loanee miss semi-final

    EX-CHELSEA player Shaun Wright-Phillips has blasted his former club for not allowing loanee Conor Gallagher to play in today’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.Gallagher has shone for Patrick Viera’s side and has even got an England call-up for his performances in midfield this season. 
    Conor Gallagher misses out todayCredit: Reuters
    The Epsom native has scored eight goals and five assists for the Eagles this season but will miss today’s game against his parent club because Chelsea turned down Palace’s request to play their own player against them. 
    Wright-Phillips feels the decision is harsh on Gallagher and that he should be allowed to play against his old club.
    Speaking to Metro he said: “I don’t agree with the fact that loan players can’t play against their parent team. I’ve never agreed with it.
    “For me, if you think he’s that good then play him in your team, give him his shot to show what he’s capable of.”
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Tuchel delivers Loftus-Cheek ultimatum, Terry key to Chelsea Pagliuca bid
    Wright-Phillips added: “You obviously didn’t want to give him his shot, you put him out on loan and now you turn around and you’re nervous for him to play against you.
    “If he’s good enough to play in your team then keep him at your club and play with him.
    “They’ve let him go and now he’s missing out on a big occasion just because Chelsea don’t want to play him.
    “I think that’s really unfair on him.”
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    Thomas Tuchel has claimed that the 22-year-old is part of his plans for next season, but Wright-Phillps believes that his future may lie away from Chelsea.
    He said: “He could go a long way and he needs to be playing as regularly as he is to further his career right now.
    “Even if he just goes back on another season long loan just to get another season under his belt, rather than being in a rotation system because if you look at the situation that Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been in.”
    Gallagher’s World Cup hopes could play a part in where he ends up next season.
    He faces huge competition from the likes of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, West Ham’s Declan Rice and Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips in his battle to win over England manager Gareth Southgate.  More

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    Hayes expects pain and gain in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash with title-chasing Gunners

    EMMA HAYES expects Chelsea to “suffer” in their FA Cup semi-final at Arsenal — but insisted these are the fixtures she relishes.Sam Kerr’s brace after Fran Kirby’s opener helped Chelsea sweep aside the Gunners 3-0 at Wembley in last season’s delayed showpiece.
    Emma Hayes is chasing a fourth FA Cup win with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    The Blues sit one point ahead of Arsenal at the top of the WSL in the race to defend their title.
    But Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners have taken four points from two matches against their rivals.
    So Chelsea boss Hayes expects a closer contest at Borehamwood today in the race for Wembley on May 15.
    She said: “Arsenal have had a tremendous season, they really have.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BUY GEORGE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea takeover bidder Todd Boehly brings in George Osborne to help seal deal
    “We’ve been going neck and neck in every competition with them the whole way.
    “We’ve had a lot of battles over the years, I certainly enjoy those games.
    “We’re going to have to suffer at points in the game and I’m sure with the threats we’ve got, we will cause problems.
    “This is what you go to work for, these moments, these privileged positions and there’s nothing better than competing for a place to play in an FA Cup final.”
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     Midfielder Pernille Harder is likely to return but Chelsea said on Friday that England forward Kirby will be out for an indefinite period as she battles ongoing health struggles.
    Arsenal have yet to concede a goal in the competition this season and Eidevall is optimistic about their chances.
    The Swedish manager said: “If we believe together and do everything in our power together, we can achieve something special. More

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    Bampton hails ‘pure passion’ of Hayes and reflects on Croydon triumphs ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea duel

    THE FA Cup holds a special place in the heart of Debbie Bampton, whose old club Arsenal play Chelsea in the contest semis later.The retired Lioness is thought to be the first female player-manager to steer a team to a Women’s Premier League and FA Cup double.
    Debbie Bampton (on the right) scored for Arsenal when they won their first Women’s FA Cup in 1993Credit: Action Images
    Her successes highlighted in the book entitled ‘A History of the Women’s FA Cup Final’, include helping Arsenal to win the contest for the first time 29 years ago.
    Renowned for her rampaging midfield play Bampton, was on the scoresheet that day, in April 1993 in Oxford.
    The Gunners, managed by Vic Akers, dispatched the Doncaster (Rovers) Belles 3-0 in front of a 3,457 crowd.
    Bampton, who lives in Eastbourne, said: “Arsenal are the team I’ve supported all my life so (the win) was pretty special.
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    “It was the year after I had come back from (playing in) Italy
    “Vic was the major guy back then who led the team to success”
    While Bampton, who now works for Royal Mail, enjoyed that moment, it is her first FA Cup win with Croydon of which she has the fondest memories.
    In 1996 she played for and managed the side then skippered by Brighton boss Hope Powell, that beat Liverpool on penalties.
    And the club also won the Women’s Premier League before going on to retain the title the following season.
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    Bampton added: “I had two seasons Arsenal and as much as I love them as a club, the love I had for Croydon was different. It was like a family.
    “We had talents like Hope and Brenda Sempare – who was a brilliant player.
    “We used to have nans and grandfathers come with us on coaches to games and boyfriends and girlfriends too.
    “I used to include them all, but that never took away from our professionalism.
    Hope Powell led Croydon to a Women’s FA Cup win in 1996Credit: PA
    “What we created there as double league champions was really, really special and something I will treasure as just as much as I do my first England cap.”
    Today Bampton’s old side will attempt to reach this season’s FA Cup final with boss Jonas Eidevall targeting his first silverware win in England.
    They face the formidable task of attempting to end Chelsea’s run with Emma Hayes’ team looking to dispatch the Gunners as they did in last year’s cup final.
    In Hayes, Bampton sees a head coach who shares same passion she has for the game.
    Bampton admires the success Emma Hayes has bought to ChelseaCredit: PA
    Bampton said: “What I like about Emma (Hayes) is her pure passion for football. Her coaching abilities are second to none.
    “You can see it when you watch her on the touchline.
    “And I liked that went she was asked about the Wimbledon job she replied why would I (leave) when I’m managing Chelsea.
    “Things like this show how far women’s football has progressed.”
    The Women’s FA Cup and wider game has evolved since Bampton hung up her boots in 2000 after a career that her honoured in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame.
    And the top-flight game becoming professional is something Bampton sees as one of the sport’s most important milestones  
    The former England captain added: “I can remember sitting at the airport 23 years ago when I stopped playing for England and I thought ‘we have got to be full-time to compete’.
    “At the time Germany were probably 15 years ahead of us and we used to beat American sides and they caught up with us.
    Arsenal hope to avenge their loss against Chelsea in last year’s delayed FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
    “As full-time players, our footballers can now compete with the very best.
    “We took too long to progress, but now we seem to have caught up quite quickly.
    “We’ve got to keep progressing. I believe we’re close to becoming European or world champions.” More

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    Chelsea face season ending with whimper after Euro exit but Tuchel’s shown he’s man to inspire Wembley bounce back

    CHELSEA will have to pick themselves up off the canvas against Crystal Palace this afternoon after being dealt a crushing Champions League knockout blow by Real Madrid.The Blues came agonisingly close to a sensational European comeback for the ages in the Spanish capital on Tuesday, only for the wily perennial champs to find a way to win.
    Chelsea stars were left dejected after their heroic mid-week efforts came just shortCredit: Rex
    Thomas Tuchel has already illustrated that he’s the perfect man to pick his stars up from adversityCredit: Rex
    Thomas Tuchel’s players were devastated upon the final whistle after falling just short of a historic triumph, while surrendering their trophy defence in the process.
    Antonio Rudiger screamed into the Madrid sky, while Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech appeared to well up before leaving the pitch.
    In the FA Cup, the Blues now have one last chance to avoid the season ending with a whimper – a prospect that seemed disastrous six months ago. Even if it means beating Liverpool in the final.
    If it’s any consolation to Chelsea fans, their outstanding manager has helped his side overcome worse adversity this season.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BIT RUD .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea’s Rudiger rages after Alaba picks crestfallen defender up from ground
    When the club’s assets were frozen following sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich last month, it would have been easy for the Russian’s beloved Blues to wobble amid talk of potentially empty stadiums, club shops and even pay-packets.
    But how did Tuchel respond? By saying all the right things, hitting all the right notes, and inspiring his team to four wins on the spin.
    He really is that good.
    Even last weekend, Chelsea bounced back from a frankly weird 4-1 home defeat to Brentford, and the first-leg loss to Madrid, by spanking Southampton 6-0 in their own backyard.
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    In Crystal Palace, the Blues will face an opponent on the opposite end of the scale to Champions League royalty Madrid.
    Wide-eyed and with nothing to lose.
    Patrick Vieira has done an extraordinary job with the Eagles in his maiden campaign managing in England, perfectly executing a much-needed rebuild and allowing fans to dream of swashbuckling football and, whisper it quietly, FA Cup glory and the European football that would follow.
    Conor Gallagher’s ineligibility to play against his parent club is an almighty blow, but Vieira has shown enough nous to suggest he’ll have a decent plan to cope.
    Chelsea may bounce back from mid-week disappointment with a Wembley victory, but it won’t just be handed to them by this season’s new-look Palace team.
    They’ll have to show a character befitting their manager and take it for themselves.
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    Bosses have been sacked at Chelsea for ending seasons without a trophy in the past, such has been the brutal nature of the club’s win at all costs mentality.
    At least Tuchel can point to their Super Cup and and Club World Cup victories earlier in the year – although they are seen more as cherries on top of last season’s Champions League heroics.
    But Tuchel has shown that he is the man to lead the West Londoners into a fresh era under new ownership – with today’s FA Cup tie a perfect opportunity to remind watching would-be buyers just what safe hands the club are in, while ensuring that they may not end the season empty-handed after all.
    Old Arsenal foe Patrick Vieira stands in the way of Chelsea and a Wembley finalCredit: Reuters More