90min

The Chelsea lineup that should start against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final

By Daniel Feliciano

Chelsea could potentially win the double this season with some good cup performances
Chelsea could potentially win the double this season with some good cup performances / Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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Chelsea are looking to progress to a fourth FA Cup final in five years when they take on Manchester City at Wembley in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel's side made it into the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-1 aggregate win over Porto in midweek, but the 1-0 loss on the night made it two defeats in three games in all competitions after the humiliating 5-2 defeat to West Brom a fortnight ago.

Tuchel has tinkered with his side plenty since taking over as he tries to perfect their tactics. But with Man City chasing trophies on all fronts, this is a great chance for them to see where they really stand against the best sides around right now.

So what's the Chelsea team that should start to have the best chance of getting to the final? 90min takes a look.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Cesar Azpilicueta
Azpilicueta is one of the first names on the team sheet / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Chelsea's number one goalkeeper has to start this game, if only just because Kepa Arrizabalaga isn't very good.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) - Arguably the first name on the team sheet in defence, the Spaniard is at his best in a back three and should start here.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - Stepped in for Thiago Silva and has been exceptional ever since. The Dane's pace and ball-playing ability has been helpful with the high line and he must start against City's front line.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - The German was frozen out under Frank Lampard but has returned to the team and been nearly faultless since, earning his place as a starting centre-back.

2. Midfielders & wing-backs

N'Golo Kante
Kante is world class and must start / Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Reece James (RWB) - James is likely to get the nod in the wing-back role because of his defensive acumen, but he is just as dangerous going forward with an excellent delivery.

Jorginho (CM) - The tempo setter of the team, Jorginho was excellent in midweek and with Mateo Kovacic likely to be out injured he should start.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - A truly world class defensive midfielder, he usually saves his best games for the big occasion and there aren't many bigger than this.

Ben Chilwell (LWB) - After initially losing his place to Marcos Alonso, the former Leicester man has stepped up in recent weeks.

3. Forwards

Mason Mount
Mount has become Chelsea's most important player this season / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Mason Mount (RW) - Arguably Chelsea's most important player these days, everything good goes through him and he will start in a more advanced role.

Kai Havertz (CF) - The club's record signing has struggled this season but since being used in a false nine role through the middle, his performances have improved.

Timo Werner (LW) - The toughest choice Tuchel will have is who takes the third attacker role, but Werner's pace to run in behind will keep City on their toes defensively and he can trouble them so should start.

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