With the 19/20 Premier League campaign behind us, a majority of the attention has now turned towards the one major English tournament still in progress, the FA Cup. Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side are set to face off against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in what promises to be a feisty encounter between two of London’s most celebrated and successful clubs. The Blues finished the Premier League campaign in fourth place and ensured that Champions League football would be coming to Stamford Bridge again next year.
The North London side were only able to finish in 8th place on the league table, which means that, as things stand, the Gunners would have no European football next season at all. One of the biggest derivatives from this is that an Arsenal win would see them directly enter the Europa League, one of the perks of winning the FA Cup. Although Arsenal clearly have more at stake on this fixture, the fact that Frank Lampard will be eager to win his first trophy as Chelsea manager could come as added motivation.
Team News
Lampard’s men came out 2-0 winners in their final league game against Wolves on Sunday, albeit without the services of both Willian and N’Golo Kante. The Brazilian’s future is a massive question mark at this point, but if he is back to full fitness, then there’s every possibility that he starts the final on the weekend. Jorginho was kept out of the side for a considerable spell after the restart by Kante, who was thriving in his original role as the holding midfielder. Expect the Frenchman to be raring to go for this outing as well.
Here Is The Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Arsenal:
Predicted 3-4-3 Chelsea Lineup Vs Arsenal
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence
Lampard made the unexpected decision to drop Kepa Arrizabalaga down to the bench once again against Wolves, in what came off as a clear statement of intent by the Blues’ gaffer. This means that veteran stopper Willy Caballero is likely to keep his place in between the sticks for this clash as well. In front of him, the London club are expected to stick with the same back-three that won games against both Wolves and Manchester United. Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma are set to operate on either side of Antonio Rudiger in the heart of the Chelsea defence.
Midfield
The Chelsea midfield, consisting of two wing-backs as well, will be responsible for controlling possession and ensuring that the Arsenal midfielders aren’t allowed too much space or time when in possession. Kante is set to return to the eleven after a period on the sidelines in place of Italian stalwart Jorginho. Mateo Kovacic has been a sensation in the Chelsea engine room since the start of the season, and his place in the side has never been under question. Marcos Alonso and Reece James are set to continue operating in the wide areas.
Attack
Christian Pulisic started the Premier League game on the weekend and was watched extremely astutely by the Wolves defenders. He wasn’t allowed time to run in behind on a single occasion, but things could be quite different against a questionable Arsenal back-line. The American is set to keep his place on the flank, with young Mason Mount set to operate across from him on the other side. For all the concerns that had been raised about Olivier Giroud’s age, it’s safe to say that the Frenchman has responded in the best possible manner, and barring an injury in the coming days, the World Cup winner is likely to start against his former club on Saturday.
