Chelsea set to lose FA Cup semi-final debate

Reports claim the Blues will lobby for the tie to be played earlier than next Sunday's scheduled 6pm start if they avoid defeat in Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Benfica.

But it is understood the kick-off time is fixed and there are no plans to move it to give Chelsea more time to prepare for a potential European semi-final first leg against Barcelona or AC Milan at Stamford Bridge the following Wednesday.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo was "angry and disappointed" on Friday after learning of the late start to the FA Cup tie, with the Italian having previously pleaded for it to be brought forward by 48 hours to Friday, April 13.

Liverpool will feature in the other semi-final on the Saturday because they have been given permission not to play on the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Chelsea feel a gesture should be made in their own case to help them in their quest for Champions League glory.

Reports claim they will plead for their FA Cup semi-final to kick-off at least five hours earlier than 6pm and will argue that the current start time runs the risk of rival fans taking advantage of all-day drinking laws ahead of what is a derby.

It is also said they will contend that the prospect of the match finishing after 9pm if it goes to extra-time and penalties may deter families attending, with the majority of nearby schools reopening the following day after the Easter holidays.

In addition, there are rail engineering works that day which would make getting home from Wembley more difficult for some supporters living in the south-west area of London.

It is understood the 6pm kick-off time was arrived at partly to maximise viewing figures for the match on ITV, who were also keen to avoid a clash with the Barclays Premier League game between Manchester United and Aston Villa, which starts two hours earlier.

Source: PA

Source: PA