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Glenn Hoddle predicts "weakened" Chelsea lineup

Hoddle predicts
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Former Chelsea player and manager Glenn Hoddle believes that Roberto Di Matteo will select a "weakened" lineup for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final because of next week's Champions League game against Barcelona.

Former Chelsea player and manager Glenn Hoddle has said that he believes Roberto Di Matteo will field a "weakened" side for this weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

Sunday's game at Wembley kicks off at a later-than-usual 6pm and the Stamford Bridge club have a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona to think about on Tuesday.

"The biggest problem for Chelsea is the Sunday six o'clock kickoff is not very helpful with such a big Champions League tie at the Bridge against Barcelona," said Hoddle.

"Had it been an early afternoon kickoff, it would have been different.

"But it must be running through Robbie's mind to play a weakened team in the sense that one or two key players will be held back as long as possible for Barcelona."

Hoddle, who is the only man to have played for and managed both Spurs and Chelsea, also said that despite still being in the FA Cup and Champions League, the Blues' main focus this season must still be finishing in the Premier League's top four.

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