A Cup Final; Saturday, 27th May; Wembley, London; KO: 5:30 pm BST (10:00 pm IST)
Antonio Conte managed to lift his first Premier League title in his first season in charge at the Stamford Bridge and will be hoping to add to his trophy cabinet already. He has a great chance to do so when he meets an injury-hit Arsenal side at Wembley for the FA Cup final this Sunday.
The Gunners finished fifth in the points table, for the first time outside the top-4 under Arsene Wenger, and will be looking to turn their season in a successful one with a victory in the final game of the campaign. But missing a number of key players, it will not be easy for Arsenal to compete with the best team in England this season. Here is the predicted lineup Conte might field for this tie:
Team News:
As has been the case for most of the season, Chelsea have a fully fit squad to choose from and Conte will surely go with his first choice XI for this game.
Defense:
Belgian star Thibaut Courtois has been in terrific form this season and won the golden glove for the campaign. He is expected to start between the sticks for Chelsea. Conte is also expected to use a 3-man defence with Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill filling those spots.
The trio has been one of the best in the league this season and up against the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck, will hope to have a productive time.
Midfield:
Image Credits: Getty Images
Chelsea do not have too many options for their midfield. Victor Moses has done a great job on the right flank and should keep his place at right wing-back while Italian star Marcos Alonso has cemented a place at the left wing-back position and is expected to start there on the night.
N Golo Kante, the PFA player of the year, will have his work cut out against a fluid Arsenal midfield and he should be partnered with Nemanja Matic to add some mettle to the midfield. Cesc Fabregas will also have a role to play from the bench.
Attack:
Belgian star Eden Hazard has been at his best this season and will be the biggest threat for Arsenal, playing just in behind the striker. Conte should use Pedro alongside Hazard, as he has done most season, to add dynamism to their attack.
The duo has done pretty well this season and will hope to get the best out of Diego Costa, who seems to have lost his goalscoring touch in recent games.
Here is how they would line up:
