Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi has spoken of his personal pride at the prospect of leading out the team at Wembley for Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa.
The England defender has been a key member of the Palace team to reach the last four of this season’s competition and believes the collective spirit of Oliver Glasner’s side can be their greatest strength as they look to seal a first appearance in the Final since 2016.
And as something of an FA Cup superfan, Guéhi is hoping to give the Palace fans plenty to cheer at Wembley where they lost to Chelsea at the same stage in 2022.
“I’m super proud of this team,” he said, in an interview with the official Emirates FA Cup semi-final programme.
“I wouldn’t be in this position without this team. The team comes first, it’s going to be a super proud moment for each and every one of us.
“Growing up, having watched the FA Cup as a fan, what it means to the country, what it means to teams lower down in different leagues, being able to either cause upsets or go and play at stadiums or against teams that they wouldn’t otherwise play at - I think every game has been tough in many different ways.
“When you play teams in the Premier League, there’s a different level of quality, but when you’re playing teams from lower down the leagues, it’s like a cup final for them so they’re giving absolutely everything.
“Those games have been very memorable as well. It’s been an enjoyable campaign, and one that we want to continue.”
The two teams know each other well, and Palace have been unbeaten against Unai Emery’s side this term following their 4-1 win at Selhurst Park in February on the back of a 2-2 draw at Villa Park in the Premier League last November.
They also beat the Villans away from home in the EFL Cup last October, but Guéhi knows those past encounters will have little bearing on Saturday’s game.
“We know Villa quite well and they know us quite well, having played each other many times this season,” he added.
“I just think on the day we’ve been very good. We’ve stuck to our principles – principles that we need to carry on for this game.
“But obviously it’s a completely different game, it’s not one where we’re looking at the past and thinking it’s going to be the same result. We’re looking to the future.
“I expect a tough game, and one that we’re definitely ready for.”
You can read the full interview with Marc in the official match programme for Saturday’s game. Order a copy here.
