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Five reasons Chelsea will win the FA Cup

By Roy Emanuel

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Chelsea's Diego Costa leads the celebrations after Ngolo Kante had scored his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Chelsea's Diego Costa leads the celebrations after Ngolo Kante had scored his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Gary Cahill of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 13: Gary Cahill of Chelsea during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter-Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 13, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Defensive excellence

An attacking approach can certainly bring success, but a solid defence can be critical in the final rounds of a cup competition. In that respect, Chelsea and Antonio Conte are able to utilise a talented midfield and an organised back-line.

The Blues’ three-man setup featuring Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill has been magnificent for the majority of the campaign at clearing out dangerous opportunities in their own half and moving the ball forward into the attack.

Perhaps the most valuable player within the line-up has been French midfielder N’Golo Kante, making a strong case for the best holding midfielder in Europe with his exceptional work-rate in the middle of Chelsea’s formation.

Covering acres of space in front of the defence, Kante’s movements allow attackers to push forward more often. The former Leicester City man even gets in on the act in the final third as well, scoring the match-winner against Manchester United in the quarter-final match.

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Along with Nemanja Matic and Marcos Alonso, the combination of midfield and defensive talent is enough to stifle most opposition.

With a formation that exploits the club’s best aspects, Chelsea’s defence should be able to carry them to FA Cup glory.

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