Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Chelsea - FA Cup
Patrick Vieira will be looking to cap off an impressive debut season in the Crystal Palace hotseat as he squares off against Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Palace had their seven-game unbeaten run halted with a 2-1 defeat to Leicester at the King Power Stadium last time out, although Vieira's men would be forgiven for having one eye on this weekend's cup showdown.
They will have to do it without star man Conor Gallagher, however, with the midfielder unable to feature against his parent club.
In the meantime, here's how the Eagles could line up.
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Vicente Guaita (GK) - Competition from the resurgent Jack Butland has brought the best out of the Spaniard in recent months.
Nathaniel Clyne (RB) - Came into the side during a period of absence for Joel Ward and he is yet to lose the starting jersey.
Joachim Andersen (CB) - His diagonal passes could cause Chelsea all sorts of issues if the Blues are not careful.
Marc Guehi (CB) - Back to face the club where he spent 12 years before departing last summer for a reported fee of £18 million.
Tyrick Mitchell (LB) - Doubts over his fitness after limping off in the first half at Leicester last weekend, but he is integral to Palace's hopes of prevailing this weekend.
2. Midfielders
Cheikhou Kouyate (CM) - The perfect midfielder for Vieira's style of play, blending technique and physicality on the ball.
James McArthur (CM) - His experience in midfield will be important in an occasion as such as this.
Jeffrey Schlupp (CM) - The Ghanian's ability to carry the ball should unsettle a Chelsea side who will press aggressively from the outset.
3. Forwards
A message from JP ?
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 12, 2022
“Can I ask something to the fans? When I hit the corner flag I want them to say 'BOOM!'" ?#CPFC
Jordan Ayew (RW) - His strike in the 3-0 win over Arsenal was just his second goal of the season, and his first since December.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (ST) - The 24-year-old has hit the goal trail in recent weeks, netting three times in his last five games.
Wilfried Zaha (LW) - An FA Cup winners' medal would be the crowning glory in the 29-year-old's Palace career.