Chelsea vs Leicester Preview and Betting Tip

This weekend it is all about one match, the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea vs Leicester kicks off at 17.15 on Saturday evening and you can watch it live on BBC 1. The Blues have been transformed under Thomas Tuchel and they are the favourites at 10/11. Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes have had a fine season in the Premier League and they would love to pick up some silverware. They are as big as 4/1 while the draw is priced up at 27/10. Can Leicester cause an upset, or will Chelsea justify their short odds? Find out in our big match preview below.

Opportunity Knocks For Chelsea

Since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as head coach, Chelsea have gone from strength to strength. Not only has he guided them into the Top 4 in the EPL, he has also plotted routes to the FA Cup and Champions League finals. Tuchel has made Chelsea a very tough team to break down and they have plenty of quality at the other end of the pitch too. The Londoners are a well oiled machine and they will fancy their chances of getting the job done at Wembley.

Rudiger and Silva have been outstanding at the back for Chelsea in recent months. Cesar Azpilicueta has rediscovered his best form and Ben Chilwell is finally starting to justify his hefty transfer fee. Mendy has had a couple of shaky moments in goal but overall, he has been a good addition. Tuchel has an embarrassment of riches to choose from up top. Mason Mount has been brilliant and he will almost certainly play. Werner, Havertz, Pulisic and Ziyech will fight it out for places in the starting lineup.

For all the attacking talent they possess, one man has been pivotal in getting Chelsea to where they are this season. That man is N’Golo Kante. The French midfielder not only plays a key role in breaking up attacks, he is also excellent in the transition from defence to attack after he wins the ball. If Chelsea are going to lift the FA Cup, Kante looks sure to play a central part.

Leicester Looking For The Upset

This has been an excellent season so far for Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester. They have every chance of securing Champions League football next season via the EPL and they also have a chance to win some silverware for the first time since their incredible title winning season. Leicester have never won the FA Cup so it would be a big achievement if they manage to get their hands on it this year.

Leicester’s chances may hinge on the availability of experienced centre-back Jonny Evans. He was sorely missed when Leicester were embarrassed by Newcastle last week. They weren’t exactly convincing at the back when beating Man Utd’s second string 2-1 on Tuesday. Rodgers was upbeat on Evans’ prospects of featuring during the week and they could really do with his calming influence at the heart of their defence.

Where Leicester may struggle is at the other end of the pitch. It looks like Old Father Time is catching up with star striker Jamie Vardy. The 34 year old has only netted 13 times this season and it looks like he may have lost a yard of pace. Kelechi Iheanacho is quickly becoming Leicester’s main man up front. The Nigerian has scored 13 goals since the start of March, including a brace in the quarter-final win vs Man Utd. If Leicester are going to unlock the mean Chelsea defence, Iheanacho could hold the key.

Chelsea vs Leicester: The Road To Wembley

Chelsea vs Leicester Betting Tip

On recent form and performance levels, it is hard to see past Chelsea in this FA Cup Final. Okay, they had a hiccup against Arsenal during the week but overall, they have been brilliant in the past couple of months. Leicester, on the other hand, have been wildly inconsistent. They are a capable side when they are at their best but they have become a tough team to predict.

Chelsea have kept clean sheets in four of their five FA Cup ties this season and it would be no surprise to see them keep another one today. Chelsea to win to nil at 21/10 looks a decent bet. As I mentioned earlier, N’Golo Kante is the key man for Chelsea and he usually delivers on the big stage. Tuchel says he is fit and raring to go, so Back Kante at 8/1 to win the Man Of The Match award with Bet365.

Chelsea vs Leicester Tips: Chelsea to win to nil @ 21/10 Skybet; Kante Man Of The Match @ 8/1 bet365

Key Quotes – Chelsea vs Leicester

Thomas Tuchel – “It’s a final and I want to have a title. I’m not unlike any player or staff in this building. We’re Chelsea and we’re about winning. We want to win as many titles as possible. A win tomorrow is crucial but it hopefully will not change anything.”

Brendan Rodgers – “We know we have to play really well against an outstanding team. We’ve come so far, and for us, it’s not just enough to arrive there. Our ambition is to win it. We have to do everything we can in order to do that. We need to give our all and that’s all we can do.”

Dave Stevos