At the start of the week, the 2021 FA Cup final threatened to become a bit of a one-sided affair.
In one corner, we had Chelsea. Inspired and uncompromising under Thomas Tuchel, the Blues had just made it to a Champions League final and had the top four all but sewn up.
On the other side of the coin were Leicester City. Although impressing again this season, the Foxes were battered, bruised and embarrassed at home by a Newcastle United side who have been so bad this season even their dyed-in-the-wool fans almost lost interest.
But as we well know, things change quickly in football.
Leicester City turned up last Tuesday, showing their class at Old Trafford and defeating an admittedly altered Manchester United side to all but secure a place at the top table of European football next season.
Chelsea, on the other hand, went 1-0 down after a calamitous error at the back and lost at home to perhaps the weakest Arsenal side in recent memory.
To make matters worse for Tuchel’s side, Chelsea haven’t won in four of their last five matches against Leicester and even lost their last FA Cup final at Wembley.
Kick back and enjoy a closer look at some of the best English football on offer this week with the Chelsea vs Arsenal betting options at LV BET.
CHELSEA VS LEICESTER CITY BETTING
CHELSEA
When Frank Lampard was forced to say goodbye – breaking fans’ hearts in the process – not many would have predicted that the tears of the Chelsea faithful would dry up so quickly.
The Blues have been relentless since the arrival of their new German coach at Stamford Bridge in January. Losing just three games out of the 26 he has managed, Thomas Tuchel has helped his side reach two finals, with a Champions League showdown against Manchester City looming in the near distance.
Come this Saturday, Chelsea stars will be keen to make Wednesday night’s loss against Arsenal look like a minor setback, with the Blues measured at 4/9 (1.45) to lift the trophy.
Looking to get his hands on the FA Cup for the fifth time in his career, Oliver Giroud comes in at 15/4 (4.75) to score the first goal of the FA Cup final and at 13/10 (2.30) to find the back of the net at any time for his side.
We also have the game to end as a draw in 90 minutes and both teams to score at 32/9 (4.55), along with Chelsea to win the first half, but not win the game, at 5/1 (6.00).
LEICESTER CITY
Foxes fans will be nervous to see which Leicester City side will turn up for the FA Cup final this Saturday at Wembley.
Will it be the team who tightened their grip on a top-four finish with an impressive win over a weakened Manchester United on Tuesday? Or will it be the side who stuttered their way along with unconvincing performances throughout their campaign?
Brendan Rodgers will know that a repeat of the 4-2 Premier League defeat at home to Newcastle United last week would likely kill off their chances to lift the FA Cup trophy before half-time.
Although their rivals this Saturday have turned around their season and progressed in two cup finals, Leicester City have not been idle. Boasting match winners of their own within their camp, the Foxes have held onto the third-place spot on the table for most of the season – above the Blues – for a very good reason.
The 15/16 Premier League champions come in at 7/4 (2.75) to win the trophy and lift their first-ever FA Cup, with Jamie Vardy measured at 12/5 (3.40) to find the back of the net at any time and make the difference for his side.
Leicester City are calculated at 9/1 (10.00) to be ahead at half-time – and at full-time.
If you fancy both teams to make a go of it this Saturday, we’ve got an 11/1 (12.00) on five goals to hit the net and really make the Wembley ground shake.
CHELSEA VS LEICESTER CITY: FA CUP BETTING ODDS
Chelsea line up as the favourites at 19/20 (1.95) to win, with Leicester City measuring up at 31/10 (4.10).
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*Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing.