The Leicester lineup that should start against Chelsea in the FA Cup final

14 May 2021 16:00

Leicester hope to make history on Saturday by beating Chelsea in front of 21,000 fans at Wembley to lift the FA Cup for the very first time.

The Foxes have seen off Stoke, Brentford, Brighton, Manchester United and Southampton to reach the showpiece event in the capital, and come into the game in high spirits after seeing off United 2-1 in the Premier League.

A place in the top four is all but secure but full focus must now be turned to beating Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea, who have been inspired form since the German took charge. The first thing Leicester must get right is their team selection, and Brendan Rodgers hopes to have defensive stalwart Jonny Evans available after a recent injury.

Here's 90min's recommended Rodgers lineup ahead of the 140th FA Cup final.


Leicester predicted lineup

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Evans is the glue at the back of this Leicester side | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Kasper Schmeichel (GK) - The undisputed number one goalkeeper at Leicester, Schmeichel is a guaranteed starter for such a big game.

Wesley Fofana (CB) - The 20-year-old defender has been fantastic in his debut season, solidifying a starting role despite fierce competition for places. Has a big future.

Jonny Evans (CB) - Described by the manager as the 'brains' of Leicester's defence", Evans has missed the club's last two games with injury. Rodgers is positive he'll be fit and must start him if he passes a fitness test.

Caglar Soyuncu (CB) - The Turkish defender is the brawn of Leicester's centre-back trio, with great power and strength complementing tremendous ability in the air. A real danger from set pieces.


2. Midfielders

Leicester's main midfield creators | Michael Regan/Getty Images

Ricardo Pereira (RM) - Portuguese international Pereira has yet to find the same form he showed pre serious knee injury, but still has an abundance of quality.

Wilfred Ndidi (CM) - The man who replaced N'Golo Kante in the holding role, Ndidi has become one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, let alone in the Premier League.

Youri Tielemans (CM) - One of the more well rounded midfielders currently playing in England, Tielemans is the perfect foil for Ndidi and has tremendous quality to offer at both ends of the pitch.

James Maddison (CAM) - Has been in and out of the side because of fitness concerns, but Maddison, on his day, is a cut above anything else Leicester have creatively. His quality could be the key to unlocking a well organised Chelsea defence.

Timothy Castagne (LM) - The Belgian has enjoyed a terrific maiden campaign, showing great versatility to operate on either flank. Provides great balance to the team and has a tremendously high footballing IQ.


3. Forwards

The fearsome front two | Pool/Getty Images

Jamie Vardy (ST) - The head of the pack, Jamie Vardy starts if Jamie Vardy is fit. Could this be another fairytale story in his incredible career? Don't rule it out.

Kelechi Iheanacho (ST) - 'Seniorman' has been absolutely phenomenal since the turn of the year, bagging 15 goals in his last 19 games - including two in the semi-final win over Southampton.

Source: 90min