Pundits agree on Chelsea vs Man City FA Cup prediction with surprise Pep Guardiola challenge

Chelsea are deemed to be heavy underdogs against Manchester City - despite being on an unbeaten run of eight matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

The two teams, who have already drawn twice this season in lively meetings, once again take to the field, this time in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. With Manchester City's pursuit of a double unflagging even after their penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday, there is added jeopardy.

Pep Guardiola's side currently occupy a temporary two-point lead at the top of the Premier League but now turn their full attention to the domestic cup once more. In contrast, Chelsea, having been left deflated after the Carabao Cup extra time mishap against Liverpool in February, are aiming to reach a second final of the season.

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Although they have recently struggled to beat Brentford, Burnley, and Sheffield United, a triumph ensuring another journey to Wembley would undoubtedly be a significant lift for Pochettino. Yet Manchester City are considered favourites, notwithstanding the little recovery time and emotional hurdles.

"Manchester City did not deserve to go out of the Champions League on Wednesday," former Blues forward Chris Sutton wrote for the BBC.

"On the balance of play against Real Madrid, they can count themselves a bit unlucky to lose the tie. It is important that they bounce back quickly, though, starting here," reports football.london.

"City's main focus now will be their attempt to become the first side in the 136-year history of English league football