FAC: Chelsea v Southampton preview

Chelsea v Southampton preview

Southampton stand in the way of Chelsea's final chance to land some silverware this season as the two teams meet in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday

Chelsea lost 2-1 to Arsenal in the FA Cup final last season - so Antonio Conte is still waiting for his first domestic cup success in England.

"A second final in a row would be great for our fans," said Conte.

"It's not my task to judge the season. I have to work and try to transfer my enthusiasm to the team.

 

"Sometimes I am good, sometimes I am not so good."

Southampton are staring down the barrel of relegation following another draw, this time against Leicester on Thursday.

Saints boss Mark Hughes thinks a break from the pressure cooker of the Premier League could work in his team's favour.

He said: "(Leicester) was a difficult game for us and we need to make sure that the physicality and athleticism is there against the top teams. We won't be making radical changes, but we need to use our resources in the best way we can.

"We are trying to build some momentum and an FA Cup semi-final could be good for us with that in mind."

Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso serves the second game of his three-match ban for violent conduct in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

Danny Drinkwater remains a doubt for the tie at Wembley because of a groin problem.

David Luiz and Ethan Ampadu are sidelined due to respective knee and ankle injuries.

Hughes has confirmed that he has no new injury concerns, however he admitted that some changes to his side are a possibility for a second encounter with the Blues in the space of a week. A game that Chelsea won 3-2 at St Mary's.