FA Cup: Chelsea and Southampton play for a spot in the final at Wembley

Does the importance of the FA Cup outweigh the importance of Premier League survival? We all know the answer to this, but it’s Hughes who needs to decide on what is the most important achievement this season.

The Sunday semifinal taking placing involves Premier League sides, Chelsea and Southampton. Considering all matters and how these two’s individual campaigns has gone – you’d call this match one way.

A bit of a surprise to see the Saints last this long in the competition, searching for a final-two finish. However, one is not too optimistic about their chances and if Chelsea will come to a no-show in this one. The only worry for Chelsea is if they struggle like they did in their recent league fixture against Southampton.

Conte will push his men on for his second trophy in the two seasons he’s taken charge of the Stamford Bridge side. He has all the tools to get past this phase and enter the next. His players’ abilities, plus his brilliance we’ve come to know – must all be on display at Wembley later today.

Unfortunately for Hughes, he hasn’t given us enough flavour to the soup his cooking inside St. Mary’s. He has managed goals yes, but results hasn’t really gone in his favour, except the previous FA Cup fixture – which got them here.

What’s going on with the two FA Cup semifinalist

Both teams name strong elevens as they ready themselves for a chance to get closer to FA Cup glory. Something of the two lineups which stands out most – it will be difficult to beat Caballero in between the sticks.

He has always put in an extra shift and especially in cup matches. Up front Giroud will be looking to do damage when he faces a team he often finds the net against. He’ll be accompanied by Willian and Hazard, two players who know how to hurt teams.

The Saints have travelled strong and have chosen to go with two hitmen up front. Both, Austin and Long – takes to the field today. They have looked promising under the late appointed manager, but it hasn’t really been Salah and Firmino.

Goals scored was something far and few between – they have scored in three of their last five fixtures, and have only managed going two games without goals. A stat Chelsea will be looking to exploit and a negative Hughes will want his side to change around.

Next: The battle for promotion into the first tier intensifies

It will come down to class and excellence versus, lack of confidence, and last-minute ditch. Saints has a chance, but so does anybody playing in a semi. The question is – will they take those chances?

Chelsea with all their experience will be too much for Southampton. Going for a Chelsea win here today and a Chelsea and Manchester United semifinal.