The FA Cup will be shrouded in blue by the end of Saturday’s match, as Leicester City and Chelsea fight it out for the chance to win the coveted trophy in front of 21,000 Wembley fans. Chelsea will be playing in their 15th final as they chase their ninth title and the Foxes will be playing in their fifth FA Cup final as they attempt to win their first trophy. Brendan Rodgers’ side eliminated Southampton in the semi-finals to set the date for the FA Cup final on May 15, while Thomas Tuchel’s side ended Manchester City’s quadruple dream in the final four to earn a place in the 140th FA Cup final. Read on to know about Chelsea vs Leicester City FA Cup final set to kickoff at 9:45 IST on Saturday.
Chelsea lineup: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Ziyech, Mount; Werner
Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are expected to return to the defense after missing Chelsea’s midweek loss to Arsenal, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving to right wing-back.
Although Jorginho was responsible for Arsenal’s win on Wednesday, he will reunite with N’Golo Kante in midfield. Mateo Kovacic will also be competing in the final.
Christian Pulisic was seen limping after the loss to Arsenal, but Timo Werner is expected to take his place in the starting lineup regardless.
After Ben Chilwell played 90 minutes against Arsenal in midweek, Marcos Alonso should start here.
Leicester City lineup: Schmeichel; Evans, Fofana, Soyuncu; Pereira, Ndidi, Tielemans, Castagne; Maddison; Vardy, Iheanacho
Due to an injury, Jonny Evans has been out of the last two games for Leicester and Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to get him back.
James Maddison could return to the starting XI at Wembley after being rested against Manchester United in midweek.
Ricardo Pereira was an unused substitute against United and will be hoping for a recall here, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Marc Albrighton held his spot.
Chelsea vs Leicester City Prediction
For the first time since 1998, Leicester ended a two-game losing streak at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, but Brendan Rodgers’ side didn’t look fantastic, even against a second-string Manchester United side. Rodgers has a poor record against Chelsea as a manager, having won just one of their 16 previous meetings.
On Wednesday night, Chelsea were unable to break through Arsenal’s three-man defense and with Leicester expected to use a similar scheme at Wembley, the FA Cup final should be a thrilling affair
Leicester, and in particular Rodgers, command a lot of respect as they try to win the FA Cup for the first time, but we believe the Foxes will only fall short as Chelsea takes the trophy.
Our Prediction: Chelsea vs. Leicester City 1 – 0
