Paul Merson has predicted the winner of this weekend’s FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Leicester City.

The Blues will book a ticket to the semis of the tournament in Wembley if they manage to get a win against their Championship opponents on Sunday.

Chelsea have already lost out on an opportunity to win a trophy this season by losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool last month, and they’ll now be desperate to prove a point in the FA Cup.

Leicester City beat Bournemouth to secure their quarter final meeting with Chelsea last month, but Paul Merson expects the Blues to get the win this time.

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 semi-finals 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.”

Mauricio Pochettino will indeed place priority on Chelsea beating Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-final clash. Reaching Europe via this route is a must for the Blues.