Martin Keown states prediction for Chelsea FC v Southampton in FA Cup

Arsenal legend Ian Wright Photo: BT Sport

Martin Keown believes Chelsea FC will beat Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next month.

The Blues have endured a difficult start to 2018 so far following their premature Champions League and League Cup exits.

The west London outfit lost 4-1 on aggregate to La Liga giants FC Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.

Chelsea FC are in fifth place in the Premier League table and four points adrift of Tottenham, who occupy the final Champions League spot.

The Blues will be looking to win the FA Cup following the disappointment of a 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the Wembley showpiece last term.

Antonio Conte led Chelsea FC to the Premier League title last season with two games to spare after the Blues finished above Spurs.

Former Arsenal defender Keown believes the defending champions should edge to an easy victory over Southampton in the FA Cup last four.

“Chelsea should beat Southampton comfortably — though Mark Hughes will fancy his chances,” Keown told the Daily Mail.

Chelsea FC signed Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, AS Roma defender Emerson Palmieri and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud in the January transfer window.

The Blues have won the Premier League title in two of the past three seasons under Jose Mourinho and his permanent successor Conte.

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