Emirates FA Cup Final Preview - Leicester v Chelsea

Leicester City - route to the final

3rd round: Stoke City 0-4 Leicester City

4th round: Brentford 1-3 Leicester City

5th round: Leicester City 1-0 Brighton

Quarter final: Leicester City 3-1 Manchester United

Semi final: Leicester City 1-0 Southampton

The Foxes have been defensively sound throughout the competition and have only conceded twice in their five games on route to the final. The comfortable quarter final victory over Manchester United was their stand out performance and also when people began talking about them as serious contenders. They rode their luck a little against Brighton in the fifth round, only going through thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho's added time header. They might start this final as underdogs, but they were much bigger underdogs when they won the Premier League back in 2015.


Chelsea - route to the final

3rd round: Chelsea 4-0 Morecambe

4th round: Chelsea 3-1 Luton

5th round: Barnsley 0-1 Chelsea

Quarter final: Chelsea 2-0 Sheffield United

Semi final: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City

A run that was started by Frank Lampard could very well be finished by Thomas Tuchel. In all honesty, they had a very nice run up until they faced City in the semi final. A pair of Championship teams, a league two side and a relegated Premier League side has paved the way for possibly another FA Cup triumph. Take nothing away from them though - they have still only conceded once in the competition so far. They have also maintained strong performances in this competition whilst being in the top four in the league and reaching a Champions League final.


All the neutral fans, all the bookies and all the pundits are making Chelsea massive favourites for this game. I totally disagree with that and feel that is a very dangerous game to play. Leicester should not be written off at all and Chelsea have got to avoid complacency. Brendan Rodger's would love to cap a fantastic season with a domestic cup and a top four finish, while Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel looks to guide what was a sinking ship to an FA Cup and European double. I expect this to be extremely tight and it might well go all the way. Leicester will sit deep and let Chelsea dictate the game which is where the Blues are at their best. However, the Foxes look the most dangerous when they sit back and hit teams on the break. My heart wants Leicester to lift the trophy tomorrow evening, but my head tells me Chelsea will edge it. Just.


Prediction Leicester 1-2 Chelsea (after extra time) 

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