Chelsea vs Leicester - FA Cup final team news and prediction

Having lost last season's final, Chelsea are back at Wembley once more as they seek to win the FA Cup for the ninth team in their history. However, Leicester won't be mere pushovers in the Blues' quest for glory and the last time these two faced off, it was the Foxes who emerged victorious, though they are yet to face Chelsea since Thomas Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard. 

Ahead of the FA Cup showdown, we provide all the key pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the final, team news and probable XIs. 

When is kick off?  

Saturday 15th May, 17:15 GMT 

Where is the match?  

Wembley Stadium, London 

What TV channel is it on?  

BBC One / BT Sport One 

Route to the Final 

Chelsea's route to Wembley got progressively harder as the competition wore on. The Blues made light work of League Two side Morecambe in early January and then defeated Championship outfit Luton 3-1 two weeks later, that victory proving to be Frank Lampard's final at the Stamford Bridge helm. 

Tammy Abraham scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea defeated playoff outfit Barnsley in February and they secured a semi-final spot with a routine 2-0 win over relegated Sheffield United in March. That set up a meeting with Manchester City at Wembley last month as Hakim Ziyech's goal early in the second half landed a final spot. 

For Leicester, they didn't face an opponent below the Championship on their way to Wembley. The Foxes blew Stoke away 4-0 in early January and then defeated playoff outfit Brentford in west London in the next round. Kelechi Iheanacho bagged a late winner as Leicester knocked Brighton out of the competition in February. 

Another Iheanacho-inspired performance saw Leicester book a semi-final meeting as Brendan Rodgers masterminded a 3-1 win over Manchester United. The Nigerian struck 10 minutes into the second half against Southampton as Leicester earned a 1-0 win over Saints to set up a meeting with Chelsea. 

Team News 

Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger missed the 1-0 loss to Arsenal in midweek, but should return to the defence alongside Thiago Silva. Both Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic are expected to overcome knocks to feature in some capacity, though Thomas Tuchel is expected to start with a partnership of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante. Kepa has played every FA Cup game so far this season and that trend is likely to continue here. 

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping to have Jonny Evans fit to start at the back after the centre-back missed the Foxes' las two games through injury. James Justin, Wes Morgan, Cengiz Under and Harvey Barnes all miss out. Ricardo Pereira missed the win over Manchester United and is hoping for a recall. 

Probable XIs 

Chelsea (3421) - Kepa; Christensen, Silva, Rudiger; Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Werner, Mount; Havertz

Leicester (3412) - Schmeichel; Fofana, Evans, Soyuncu; Pereira, Ndidi, Tielemans, Castagne; Maddison; Vardy, Iheanacho

Key Battle: Mason Mount vs James Maddison

Two English creators are set to lock horns at Wembley, with the FA Cup final perhaps the ideal opportunity for Mason Mount and James Maddison to prove their worth with the Euros looming. Mount has been superb for Chelsea this season and, taking into account Premier League and FA Cup ratings this season, is the best rated players of the two finalists with a WhoScored rating of 7.37.

For a period, Maddison was arguably ahead of Mount in the England pecking order, but injuries have hindered his chance to build up form and while he has eight goals and five assists in the Premier League to his name this season, it feels like there is only room for one in Gareth Southgate's squad this summer. However, if Maddison guides Leicester to a first FA Cup success in their history, it gives Southgate plenty of food for thought.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 Leicester