Jack Butland has backed Crystal Palace talisman Wifried Zaha to shine when the Eagles meet Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi final. The Palace keeper is also confident that the south London club can upset the odds and reach the final after a fine season under Patrick Vieira.
Palace have enjoyed an encouraging maiden campaign under Vieira’s management. The former Nice boss has guided the club to 10th in the Premier League table and masterminded wins over the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Zaha is also enjoying a renaissance under the 45-year-old with his 12 goals thus far representing his best return since he returned to the club in 2015. And Butland is confident that the Ivorian will continue his fine form against Chelsea on Sunday.
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"Absolutely, he will be up for it, like we all will be," said Butland as quoted by the Evening Standard.
"He is going to leave it all out there, which we all are. When Wilf does that, there are not many people in the world who can play like him or can stop him.
"I’m sure we will see the Wilf that we are seeing at the minute on Sunday. Wilf, along with the other incredible talents that we have got in the squad at the minute - we are a force to be reckoned with. It is not us playing Chelsea, they have got to play us as well.
“It will be a good occasion, and I am sure we are all going to bring it.”
The Blues will need to put the disappointment of Tuesday’s Champions League exit to Real Madrid behind them quickly if they’re to beat Palace on Sunday. The winners will face Manchester City or Liverpool in the FA Cup final on May 14.
