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Chelsea vs Liverpool predicted XI: 3-4-2-1 in the FA Cup final

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea scores their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Christian Pulisic of Chelsea scores their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on January 02, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Antonio Rüdiger of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Antonio Rüdiger of Chelsea battle for the ball during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

Chelsea is about to travel to Wembley Stadium for its fourth FA Cup final in the last five years, and its third FA Cup final in a row. It goes without saying that there’s a lot riding on this one, as well. The Blues met Leicester City in this fixture last season and they were flat, losing to a long shot by Youri Tielemans. This loss understandably left Chelsea fans frustrated, as any loss should. The Blues have already met Liverpool in a domestic cup final once this season, and they matched them through 120 minutes of football and 10 penalties each. They need to replicate that performance, but they’ll also need a bit of luck if they’re to win this one.

Here’s who The Pride of London believes Thomas Tuchel gives the go-ahead to in one of the most important games of Chelsea’s entire season:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Tuchel, whether knowingly or unknowingly gave away his plan to start Edouard Mendy in the FA Cup final. He did not need to hide this fact, as it would come as no surprise considering that Mendy started the semifinal and quarterfinal while Kepa Arrizabalaga was fully fit. A graphic by WhoScored is circulating showing Mendy having a save success rate of 53% since March.

No one knows how WhoScored came about that figure, but according to fbref, Mendy has averaged a 69.4% save success rate since March in the Premier League and he has averaged 74.4% throughout the league season. In fact, the Senegalese giant has only made one less save than Liverpool’s Alisson, despite facing the same number of shots on target. Alisson and Mendy rank third and fourth for save percentage among Premier League keepers this season so far. The scrutiny should be on Chelsea’s defense, not the man between the sticks.

Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England

Trevoh Chalobah stepped in at right centerback against Leeds United and played very well. This is not why he’s expected to start on Saturday though. He’s expected to start at right centerback because he’s more suited to that role than Andreas Christensen. Christensen also played well against Leeds United, however, he’s not the preferred player for the position he played. Chalobah’s breakthrough season has been good so far and it can only get better next season.

Thiago Silva (No. 6) Centerback, Brazil

Thiago Silva was understandably rested against Leeds United on Wednesday because of this game. The Blues should be wary in this game though, as Silva will find it difficult to mark Liverpool’s center forward on the day, especially because it’s not likely to be Roberto Firmino. Sadio Mane has been starting at center forward for Liverpool for several weeks now, with Luis Diaz starting at left wing. Silva will have to be extra alert to Mane’s trickery and pace.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

Antonio Rudiger is Chelsea’s tallest player—well, joint-tallest. He will be crucial in set-piece situations as no Chelsea player is as tall as Liverpool’s shortest starting centerback. His passing and counter-pressing will also be crucial in this game, as that is the only way Chelsea can prevent the game from getting too far out of their control.

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