Chelsea XI vs Arsenal: Frank Lampard’s Predicted FA Cup Final selection

Chelsea take on Arsenal in an all-London 139th FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. 

After guiding his side to a top-four finish, Frank Lampard will now be aiming to win a trophy to cap off an impressive first season in charge of the Blues.

The English boss won the competition four times as a player with Chelsea and will now want to bring the cup back to Stamford Bridge for a ninth time.

In the Premier League this season, the Blues defeated the Gunners 2-1 at the Emirates in December before a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge a month later.

So who will Lampard pick to get the job done at the home of football? We predict Chelsea’s starting XI for the FA Cup final…

GK: Willy Caballero  

With the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, currently out of favour, Lampard is expected to stick with veteran Willy Caballero between the sticks as he did for the semi-final win and victory against Wolves.

RB: Reece James

The young Englishman has had a successful breakthrough season with the Blues and will continue to hold the right-back position. Another talented full-back we’re sure will give Gareth Southgate a future selection headache.

CB: Kurt Zouma

Lampard has tinkered with his central defensive partnership often this term but after better displays against Manchester United and Wolves, Kurt Zouma should keep his place.

CB: Antonio Rudiger

Although he hasn’t been immune to Lampard’s rotation in defence, it seems that Antonio Rudiger is the first-choice centre-back. The German will hope to lead the backline to an FA Cup final win.

LB: Cesar Azpilicueta (c)

One of Chelsea’s best and most consistent performers, Cesar Azpilicueta will skipper the side but will again move over to the left to accommodate Reece James.

DM: Jorginho

N’Golo Kante is racing to be fit for the final but, even if he makes it, the recent form of Jorginho in the midfield should see the Italian keep his place.

CM: Matteo Kovacic

One of Chelsea’s most consistent performers this season, Matteo Kovacic has showed why the Blues made his loan from Real Madrid permanent. The Croat should again slot nicely into the midfield where he likes to do both sides of the game.

CM: Mason Mount

Impressive in the wins against Manchester United and Wolves, it’s been an eye-catching first full season in the Chelsea first-team for Mason Mount. He will now hope to cap that with an FA Cup winner’s medal.

FW: Willian

The Brazilian is the club’s current longest-serving player and – after missing the win at Wolves through injury – will hope to return to win a third FA Cup with Chelsea.

FW: Christian Pulisic 

The American has been on fire since the restart and certainly looks like he could be one of the stars of next season. Will be aiming to cause havoc in the Arsenal backline and add to the 10 goals he’s notched in his first season.

ST: Olivier Giroud

Just as it seemed his career at Chelsea was over, Olivier Giroud has been revitalised in recent months. The Frenchman has led the line impeccably and scored important goals against both Manchester United and Wolves in recent weeks. Will now look to win his fifth FA Cup against his former club.