Chelsea v Leicester: An Historic FA Cup Final for the Foxes

After a 53-year wait, Leicester City return to the final of the Emirates FA Cup, the oldest club cup competition globally. Here is what you need to know.

On 15th May 2021, after a terrific 1-2 away victory over Manchester United in the Premier League, the Foxes make the journey to Wembley to face Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup final.

Leicester have not featured in the final for 53-years, having featured in the final four times, and failing to successfully clinch the coveted silverware on every occasion.

Brendan Rodgers has worked wonders at the King Power, being backed well in the transfer market by the Srivaddhanaprabha family, who have owned LCFC since 2010. Since then, Leicester have signed world class talent, won the league, broken the top six, partook in the Champions League, and have finally reached an FA Cup final.

In this preview, I will briefly detail the journey of the two clubs, provide any relevant injury news, and provide a predicted starting XI.

The journey of two blues

An all-blue final is the culmination of months of hard work and performances from both blue clubs. Congratulations to both Chelsea and Leicester City in making it all the way to the historic final.

In January, Brendan Rodgers led the demolition of Championship outfit Stoke City 0-4 as well as the 1-3 win over Premier League hopefuls Brentford. Chelsea on the other hand won 4-0 over Morecambe, and 3-1 over Luton Town.

Mirror results continued for February. The King Power side defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 with a sensational Kelechi Iheanacho goal. The goal which sparked his startling rise to eminence in the squad. Chelsea had the same result against Barnsley.

The quarter finals were won 3-1 by the Foxes against Manchester United. Chelsea winning 2-0 over Sheffield United. Both teams won 1-0 over Southampton and Manchester City respectively.

Leicester City injury news

The King Power travellers will definitely be without Harvey Barnes, James Justin, and Wes Morgan. All three have sustained long-term injuries which ruled them out for the season, and prevented the England Euros hopefuls unable to join England.

Jonny Evans has been an injury concern, and he may or may not feature on the day. He will be assessed on Friday. As BBC Sport reported, Brendan Rodgers is hopeful that he will feature, but will not commit to playing him until he is cleared on the day.

For Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic makes his return from a brief spell of injury. He is unlikely to start the match, though he is considered influential in the dressing room, and could provide the hard working midfield core needed to retain a lead should the situation arise.

Importantly for the Foxes, James Maddison and Ricardo Pereira should be more fit than previous. The two will be crucial if the King Power side are to clinch their first ever FA Cup.

In the meantime, a swathe of youngsters are available should Leicester City need to inject energy, pace, and passion into their performance. From talented prospects such as Sidnei Tavares and Tawanda Maswanhise, and reliable wingers such as Tyrese Shade.

Even with a near full strength Leicester squad, the absences of Barnes and Justin, and the lack of full fitness for Ricky P and Madders may prove fatal if not compensated for.

Predicted Starting XI

Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City shall line-up in their seemingly fixed system and shape. A 3-4-1-2; with three centre-backs, two wing-backs, three midfielders, and two strikers. There is a 0% chance of any other formation.

Lineup: Kasper Schmeichel, Caglar Soyuncu, Jonny Evans, Wesley Fofana, Timothy Castagne, Marc Albrighton, Wilfred Ndidi, Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Jamie Vardy, and Kelechi Iheanacho.

‘Seniorman Kels’ will need to turn up on the day, being clinical and decisive with all chances taken by the Nigerian national. Schmeichel will need to be on top form to prevent Olivier Giroud or Timo Werner goals. Whereas Madders will need to return to his best to become the midfield maestro we need.

Expect the first half to be very defensive from Leicester City. Brendan Rodgers will call upon his inner Jose Mourinho to grind out the win rather than dominate and control the game. By attempting to play, we give an in-form Chelsea the opportunity to play, and we do not want them to play.

Retain the ball, slow the game down, and nick a goal are the objectives for this match. It shall not be a pretty performance, but it will be satisfying if they can pull it off. Come on Foxes, let’s get that cup!