Fans reacts as Paul Merson gives shocking score prediction ahead of Chelsea vs Leicester in FA Cup quarter-finals

Premier League outfit Chelsea host Championship club Leicester this Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

For the winners, they’ll book a trip to Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup semi-finals.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea side could really do with a deep run in the tournament due to their struggles elsewhere this season.

As for Leicester, they’re sat at the top of the second division but there’s a very close race on for promotion. Foxes manager Enzo Maresca made wholesale changes in the cup when they beat Bournemouth in the fifth round last month.

Paul Merson has tipped Chelsea to beat Leicester this weekend and seal a quick return to Wembley. The scars are definitely still there from losing to rivals Liverpool in the League Cup final this year.

Merson told Sportskeeda: “I’ve got to go with Chelsea as Leicester City have other fish to fry at the moment. At this point in time, I just don’t think they need this football match at all as they need to concentrate on getting back to the Premier League next season. The problem with Mauricio Pochettino’s side is that they play well for ten minutes in a game and are bad for 20 – they need to step it up on this front.

“Making it through to the FA Cup semifinals will be a huge boost for Chelsea fans as it will keep them happy. If they lose, their season is virtually over and that won’t be a good look for the manager, especially if they go out against a Championship club.

“Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Leicester City.”

Chelsea vs Leicester

Chelsea have four wins and a draw from their previous five meetings with Leicester. We suspect as the top-flight club they’ll be favourites to win on Sunday, too.

However, the Blues did lose an FA Cup final to Leicester back in 2021.

There’s no excuse for Chelsea not to go with their strongest available team in this important quarter-final tie, especially as there’s an international break immediately after.