Blues set to lose semi-final debate

Chelsea's hopes of getting the kick-off time of their FA Cup semi-final with Tottenham brought forward are set to be dashed, Press Association Sport understands.

Reports claim the Blues will lobby for the tie to be played earlier than next Sunday's scheduled 6pm start if they avoid defeat in Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Benfica.

But it is understood the kick-off time is fixed and there are no plans to move it to give Chelsea more time to prepare for a potential European semi-final first leg against Barcelona or AC Milan at Stamford Bridge the following Wednesday.

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