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Semi-final timing a boost for Chelsea - Mata

Juan Mata believes Chelsea are in form at the right time © Getty Images

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Chelsea winger Juan Mata believes the timing of the club's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham has handed the advantage to the Blues.

Mata, who will make his 50th appearance of the season if he plays a part in the match at Wembley on Sunday, believes a month ago Spurs would have to have been considered the favourites for any meeting between the two sides - but now it is Roberto Di Matteo's boys who are in form and the north London club who are struggling to notch victories.

"This semi-final against Tottenham is huge for us," Mata said, according to The Sun. "The FA Cup is a special competition and we want to be back at Wembley for the final next month.

"I played there for Spain in November. We killed England but we lost 1-0! Frank Lampard! But what an unbelievable stadium.

"We've drawn both games against Tottenham in the league this season, so it will not be easy. They have many players at a great level. But so do we.

"Maybe a month ago they were in a better position and we weren't doing so well. Now we're in a good moment and we have to show that at Wembley."

Chelsea's league form has been erratic for much of the year, with the club still battling to qualify for next season's Champions League. Whatever happens over the remainder of the campaign, the Spaniard is promising an improvement next season.

"On the pitch, I wish Chelsea were first in the league but next season will be a lot better," Mata said.

"When I came to England, a lot of people in Spain thought I would struggle physically because I am not the biggest of players. But I have been lucky in my career because I have not had a lot of injuries and I am always available to play in every game.

"The Premier League is very different to the game I was used to when I was with Valencia. You have to be physically ready to play in the Premier League and you also have to be ready to get out of the way when the tackles come in.

"But I believe I am improving things in my game all the time and enjoying the organisation and the supporters in the Premier League."

Despite having already played so many games this season, Mata is eyeing the opportunity to compete at both the European Championships and Olympic Games over the summer.

"I want to win as much as I can - the FA Cup, the Champions League, the Euros and the Olympics... everything," he noted. "I have to speak to Chelsea about playing at the Olympics but I think there is enough time for me to rest and recover."

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