Daniel Sturridge believes Sunday’s match will be so intense that the FA Cup semi-final will be played as if it were the final. And the Chelsea striker admits his side must raise their game if they are to beat Tottenham, who outplayed them in the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge just three weeks ago.
The match comes three days before the first leg of Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Although Roberto Di Matteo’s side have won eight of their last 11 games, their heavy fixture schedule has taken its toll in recent matches and Sturridge knows the Blues will be pushed again on Sunday.
Sturridge said: “This is the business end of the season; this is when people need to step up, when everything counts and every game needs to be won.
“Every game you play in the FA Cup is special but to play at Wembley in a competitive game takes it up another level. Considering it’s the semi-final, it is important that we stay professional. It’s a difficult team we’re playing against and that challenge will make it seem as if it is a final. I’m sure the game will be played like a final.
“It will be a close game. We know each other very well and both sides have very good individuals, as well as being good teams, so it’s important that we go out there and just focus on our own game. This will be a tense game because, when you are playing against a team like Tottenham, it is always passionate, everything is always heightened — it’s a derby.”
Juan Mata told the official programme: “Tottenham are a very good team. They have quality players and they move the ball very quickly. But you never know what is going to happen in one game.”
Chelsea, who will be without Branislav Ivanovic through suspension, will be hoping captain John Terry (ribs) and Ashley Cole (ankle) are both fit to play.
With Barcelona in mind, Di Matteo may decide to rest some players.
