The 140th English FA Cup will take place this Saturday which will see nine-time winners Chelsea face off against four-time finalists Leicester City.
The Blues lost last year’s final to Arsenal, and their last FA Cup triumph came in the 2017-18 season when they defeated Manchester United 1-0 under then manager Antonio Conte.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have been in terrific form in recent months, but they had a minor blip ahead of the final as they lost to Arsenal in their last league game.
The London side defeated Manchester City in the semi-finals and they come into this game as the favourites. Tuchel has lost just thrice as the manager of Chelsea since taking charge of the club in January.
Chelsea Team News
Thomas Tuchel will be sweating over the fitness of midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who has been out for a month due to a thigh injury. It could be touch-and-go the Croatian midfielder.
N’Golo Kante missed the midweek game due to an Achilles injury and he, like Kovacic, will have to pass a late fitness test. Andreas Christensen could also miss out on the FA Cup final.
Time to write another chapter. 📖
🔜 #FACupFinal pic.twitter.com/GoD56Epmix
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 15, 2021
Let’s take a look at the possible Chelsea lineup for the FA Cup final against Leicester City.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Leicester City
Goalkeeper
Thomas Tuchel has already confirmed that Kepa will start in goal for the FA Cup final ahead of first-choice keeper Edouard Mendy. Kepa has played every game in Chelsea’s 2020-21 FA Cup campaign.
Defence
Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta played as the three centre-backs in the game against Arsenal. Silva could be dropped in place of Antonio Rudiger, while Zouma and captain Azpilicueta will most likely retain their places in the Chelsea lineup. Andreas Christensen could be an option for the Blues if he is passed fit.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell should start at right wing-back and left wing-back respectively in the Chelsea lineup. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Marcos Alonso are other options for Tuchel in the wing-back areas.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, if passed fit, should start as the midfield duo. Jorginho should come into midfield if either of the two are injured, while youngster Billy Gilmour is an option.
Attack
Timo Werner could return to the Chelsea lineup, while Kai Havertz could play alongside his German compatriot. Mason Mount should also start, either as an attacker or to add numbers to the midfield area.
The likes of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are other options in attack for Tuchel, as is veteran striker Olivier Giroud.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Leicester City