Twitter reacts as Antonio Conte drops big names for FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur

Antonio Conte has decided to rest his superstars including Eden Hazard and Diego Costa for the pivotal FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur. The Italian opted to hand a rare start to Michy Batshuayi – who has struggled for game time this season.

The Blues were also forced to start youngster Nathan Ake in defence due to a bout of gastroenteritis suffered by Gary Cahill. Chelsea play their next game against Southampton on Tuesday night and this provides their stars with enough time to recover in time for the clash against the Saints. However, following the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United last weekend, it is believed that Conte is not ready to risk success in the league for a place in the final of the FA Cup, hence he opted to start a weakened lineup.

Whether that decision comes back to haunt the Blues or if they are able to exploit Spurs’ poor Wembley record, remains to be seen. Twitter, as you would expect, was quick to react to the starting XI named by Chelsea and here are the best tweets:

And here is the Chelsea starting XI:

Our starting team today is Courtois; Azpilicueta (c), David Luiz, Ake; Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Willian, Batshuayi, Pedro. #CHETOT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 22, 2017

Today’s subs are Begovic, Zouma, Terry, Chalobah, Fabregas, Hazard and Diego Costa. #CHETOT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 22, 2017

Conte prefers the league to the Cups

Antonio Conte won Serie A in all three of his seasons as Juventus head coach but never won the Coppa Italia.
— Chelsea HQ (@Chelsea_HQ) April 22, 2017

Now we know why Hazard missed out?

@ChelseaFC Did Herrera not let Hazard out of his pocket in time lads?
— Rob (@robert_burke3) April 22, 2017

Has Conte really lost it?

@ChelseaFC Mourinho tactically outclassed Conte once and he's lost his god damn mind
— CW (@ClassyWazza) April 22, 2017

What a great time of the season for Conte to lose his fucking mind https://t.co/pp76rPt4fo
— Kick Arse (@kickarseHD) April 22, 2017

Conte has pulled an Arsene 2004 in the semi, might as well start Jeremie Aliadiere and go full Arsene
— Patró (@Mesut1079) April 22, 2017

Or is it just his confidence in Tottenham faltering?

Antonio Conte is obviously aware of Tottenham's record at Wembley.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) April 22, 2017

With Costa, you never know!

Diego Costa and Eden Hazard both out for Chelsea, with reports suggesting playful scuffling yesterday led to Costa eating the Belgian.
— JOE.co.uk (@JOE_co_uk) April 22, 2017

Ander Herrera, interesting!

Wow. Sat on Chelsea's bench today will be Terry, Fabregas, Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Ander Herrera. #CHETOT
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) April 22, 2017

Chelsea fans do not like what they see...

#Chelsea fans looking at that team like pic.twitter.com/7z65kBQtZ5
— Freebets.co.uk (@freebetscouk) April 22, 2017

Have they though?

If Chelsea bottle the title, I swear it'd be amazing. Man have been talking like they've redefined football all season.
— eOS 2.0.17 (@MrScripto) April 22, 2017

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is not behind when it comes to experimenting....

Gotta love Poch. Chooses an FA Cup semi final against Chelsea to seemingly try Son at wingback. He's a genius if it works.
— Shelley Johnson (@shelleyj89) April 22, 2017

Next season will be interesting...

Conte already showing the signs he can't do well in the league if Chelsea re playing Europe.We shall see next season.
— Dafidi (@Molade87) April 22, 2017

What an occasion to prove your doubters wrong...

518 - Michy Batshuayi has played just 518 minutes for Chelsea in all competitions so far in 2016-17. Opportunity. pic.twitter.com/Wu14eGRnQq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 22, 2017

Ominous?

Tottenham have lost each of their last six FA Cup semi-final appearances (1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2010 and 2012). pic.twitter.com/aRTOU1GvBy
— Coral (@Coral) April 22, 2017