Hoddle fears weakened Chelsea in cup semi

Glenn Hoddle believes Roberto Di Matteo may consider fielding a "weakened" side in Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham.

Hoddle, the only man to have played for and managed both the London rivals, reckons caretaker Blues boss Di Matteo will prioritise Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona and the following Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League clash at Arsenal. Hoddle said: "The biggest problem for Chelsea is the Sunday six o'clock kick off is not very helpful with such a big Champions League tie at the Bridge against Barcelona. "Had it been an early afternoon kick-off, 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. "In reality, the only thing that matters to Chelsea come the end of the season is finishing in the top four. Let's face it, it's a tough ask to overcome Barcelona over two legs, and then go on and win the final of the Champions League - that's asking too much perhaps. "So the priority is the top four. Having said that, they would love to beat Spurs and go on and win the final and land a trophy, so it might be a weakened team in some people's eyes but, for Robbie, it won't be."