English FA Cup: London rivals Chelsea, Tottenham in semi-final battle

London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham will today, at the Wembley Stadium, literally go for each other’s throat, when EPL leaders, Chelsea host Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-finals.
In the same vein, Arsenal, who will play in a record 29th FA Cup semi-final, will face Manchester City in the other tie tomorrow.
Chelsea knocked out holders Manchester United in a hard-fought 1-0 win, with Spurs thrashing League One side Millwall 4-0.
Arsenal, who lifted the trophy in 2014 and 2015, proved too good for non-league Lincoln City in a 5-0 home win.
Manchester City are playing in the semi-finals for the first time in four seasons after beating Middlesbrough in a 2-0 away win.
City look likely to receive a significant boost ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal following the return to training of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazil international made a stunning impact following his drawn out move from Palmeiras, eventually making his debut in January and scoring three goals in five appearances.
Such had been his form that Jesus ousted Sergio Aguero from City’s starting line-up, before suffering a metatarsal injury during a win over Bournemouth back in February which looked likely to end his season.
But the 20-year-old forward looks set to hand Pep Guardiola a welcome boost ahead of the show down.
In the Brazilian’s absence, Aguero has rediscovered his best form, scoring 11 goals in his last 11 matches in all competitions, earning rare praise from Guardiola along the way.
The match between Chelsea and Tottenham, Pundits believe, would be a cracker becauseTottenham have given Chelsea problems this season.
Not only that, it is a kind of London derby which has always generated interest in most times.
As it is now, both teams are in a very  devastating form form, but going by recent league runs, many believe Chelsea are slight favourites as it stands.
The Gunners’ faltering top-four bid has no doubt created a toxic atmosphere and falling short against Pep Guardiola’s men in today’s FA Cup cracker could add another string to the bow of the ‘Wenger Out’ brigade.
But keen Arsenal watchers are of the opinion that securing a third Cup final appearance in four years may just lead to additional support for the Frenchman as he attempts to guide the club towards silverware and, perhaps more crucially, a Champions League place.

POSTED BY:OPUOMONI PRIYE
DATE:04/22/2017