INTRODUCTION
FA Cup final. Chelsea vs Leicester City. WEMBLEY STADIUM. While it remains to be seen who qualifies for the top 4, winning the FA Cup anyways gets you a Europa League spot. The Foxes beat Southampton on their way, while the Blues see off the mighty Manchester City.
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WHY SHOULD YOU BE WATCHING
Why would you be missing out on a cup final? It will be exciting as to who wins it. Thomas has done an incredible job, since joining the club in late January. While Brandon Rodgers, has made Leicester a consistent threat for the opposition. This is the first time that Chelsea will take on Leicester City, since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival. The stadium of dreams. This is also the first time that this Leicester squad will play in an FA Cup final. Their last appearance as a club, coming way back in 1997.
BUILD UP
It is much more than just a build up for the Premier League game in the midweek. Both have relatively young squads, and these are the things you dream as a child, right? Lifting a trophy at Wembley? It will be a tactical battle, as the aggressiveness of both sides will be the key. In a cup final, you always need to bank on your precision and conversion ability.
CHELSEA FORM (ALL COMPETITIONS): DWWWL
LEICESTER CITY FORM (ALL COMPETITIONS): WWDLW
TEAM NEWS
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he has full squad up for selection, with Kovacic, Kante and Christensen returning back from injury. On the other hand, Rodgers will be short of full strength, as James Justin, Harvey Barnes, Wes Morgan and Evans continue to be sidelined.
PREDICTED LINE UPS
CHELSEA
Formation 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Kepa
Defenders: Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger
Midfielders: James, Kante, Kovacic, Chilwell
Forwards: ZIyech, Werner, Mason Mount
LEICESTER CITY
Formation 3-4-3
Goalkeeper: Schmeichel
Defenders: Fofana, Soyuncu, Fuchs
Midfielders: Castagne, Tielemans, Ndidi, Thomas
Forwards: Madisson, Ihenacho, Vardy
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Chelsea
HAKIM ZIYECH:
The Moroccan wizard has proved himself as the big-game player under Thomas Tuchel. Scoring against tough opponents like Atletico Madrid and Manchester City will certainly fancy him to be a matchwinner tonight. He has got both the eye to play an extraordinary pass, and the foot to place a superb finish. He will be wanting to silence his doubters, by winning the cup for his team.
NGOLO KANTE:
The football fraternity is in awe of this player. Thomas in his recent interviews has been stressing on the fact how important N’golo is for this team, and described him as a “provider”. Chelsea often play with 12 players in their side. They have Kante to provide that extra physical presence. On the back of some stupendous performances in the Champions League, N’golo would want to win a cup final against his former team.
Leicester City
JAMIE VARDY:
The veteran forward will be the one to look out for, if Leicester is to make their presence felt in the attacking forefront. Vardy has been off the hook for a couple of months now, but what better moment than this, to strike back to form! With Madison back from injury, the chemistry between the duo could prove vital for the Foxes.
KELECHI IHENACHO:
It will be criminal to not include Ihenacho on this list, given the kind of form he is in. More used as a super sub, for the most of the season, he has come to life in the second half. He already has his best season in terms of goal contribution. I will be surprised, if Ihenacho blanks tonight. He is the one who has kept the boat sailing for Brandon Rodgers. Or else, they would be sitting somewhere in the middle on the PL table.
CONCLUSION
Will it be the fifth time lucky for Leicester? Or will Chelsea take their hands on the coveted trophy, after missing out the last time? Only the clock will tell. We are all up for a feast, tonight.
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