N’Golo Kante and Willian are in contention for the FA Cup final after injury, but boss Frank Lampard remains unsure if they are ready to start for Chelsea.
Lampard said at a press conference on Friday afternoon that he will “see if they are fit to be in the starting XI” suggesting it is unlikely he will risk selecting both in the line-up to face Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday evening.
And given the fine form of Willian’s fellow winger Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount, it seems reasonable to think Willian may be the one to miss out if the Blues head coach sticks with three at the back against the Gunners.
But If Willian is the fitter of the duo, the expect him to start and Kante drop out with Mount playing more centrally.
Kante has not played since July 4 against because of a hamstring problem, while Willian missed the win over Wolves that secured Champions League qualification for next season with a knock.
There is also a tough decision to made in goal, but Willy Caballero has been the preferred FA cup keeper and was preferred to the much-criticised Kepa against Wolves.
Elsewhere, Lampard has shown his willingness to tinker with formations throughout the season playing three at the back seems to suit Marcos Alonso and Reece James as wing-backs.
And the system also gives more defensive cover in to a rearguard that has been very brittle at times this term.
Predicted starting line-up:
Caballero
Azpilicueta
Zouma
Rudiger
James
Kante
Kovacic
Alonso
Mount
Pulisic
Giroud