Today we’ll learn three more FA Cup semi-finalists, but perhaps the most interesting matchup will be at Selhurst Park, where two former midfielders Partick Vieira and Frank Lampard lead their teams from their respective benches. Vieria, the former Arsenal is in his first season of managing Crystal Palace, while Lampard arrived in January to save Everton from relegation.Senegal-born former France international Vieira is enjoying life back in London because his Eagles are doing well and playing above pre-season expectations.”There is a positive vibe around the football club about the confidence the players and staff have at the moment. The players, I’ve been really pleased with the attitude. The good period is with the way we’ve been working and the way the players are dedicated to football. We keep working well, try to improve in training and have a clear idea about what to achieve on the pitch.”Here we go then 😍It’s @EmiratesFACup quarter-final day ❤️💙#CPFC | #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/5NjrM8c5zZ— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 20, 2022 The two managers actually worked together at New York City FC a few years ago. “I played against Frank for a couple of years and worked with him at New York. When he was playing at New York and I was coaching the team of course we spent a lot of time talking about football and how we see the game. Seeing him as a coach at Chelsea and Everton, he had a really good experience as a manager. We had the same route: ex-players who want to do well at managing. We both know how difficult it is because he got the sack at Chelsea and I got the sack at Nice! Your name doesn’t matter. What matters is the result and the way the team plays.”Easy-peasy! Support-less Chelsea glide past second-tier BoroLampard was relieved to see his team finally win a game when they scored deep in injury time to beat Newcastle in the Premier League. Now, he wants his team to carry the momentum on to the FA Cup.”It’s a real big challenge for us. I’ve watched Palace a lot. They’re a hugely talented squad, and I thought they recruited brilliantly. They’re well-coached and have a lot of threats in their team. We’re aware of the task ahead of us, but it’s an opportunity for us to get to Wembley.”Modern football is a harsh business where there is little space for sentimental reminiscing about the old days. Apart from the fans, nobody will care about Vieira’s and Lampard’s playing days. All that matters is delivering results here and now. Making it to the FA Cup semi-final would be a respectable achievement for either of the two young tacticians.FA CUP – QuarterfinalsSaturdayMiddlesbrough – Chelsea 0-2 (0-2)/Lukaku 15, Ziyech 31/Sunday15:30: (2.00) Crystal Palace (3.50) Everton (4.10)18:00: (9.00) Southampton (5.60) Man.City (1.35)21:00: (11.0) Nott.Forest (6.50) Liverpool (1.28)***odds are subject to change***
