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Chelsea-Leicester doubleheader as Foxes chase first FA Cup title and Champions League ticket

Leicester has the unwanted record of losing each of its four FA Cup finals (1948-49, 1960-61, 1962-63 and 1968-69) – no other team has made it to that many finals without winning it at least once.

Everton holds the record for most losses – eight – but it has also won the world’s oldest football trophy on five occasions.

Despite this, Leicester fan Asraf Dahari said he is confident the Foxes can end the cup final jinx on Sunday (12.15am) against Chelsea.

“Leicester is sure to win as we have two great strikes in Kelechi (Iheanacho) and (Jamie) Vardy,” said the award-winning photographer, who has been a fan since the 1960s.

“We have a well-balanced team this season. We can win the trophy and also finish in the top four to qualify for the Champions League.”

He admitted the team lost concentration in the Premier League in recent weeks after drawing 1-1 with Southampton and losing 4-2 to Newcastle – two teams who are in the bottom half of the standings.

The Foxes, however, defeated a much-changed Manchester United side 2-1 in mid-week and need just three points from their last two matches to be certain of a ticket among the European elite.

One of those matches is a repeat of the FA Cup final as it will meet Chelsea on Wednesday (3.15am).

Meanwhile, Blues fan Ahmad Hafidz Muhamad Aidal is equally confident of a FA Cup victory for Thomas Tuchel’s men.

“The only regret is Tuchel joined the team too late. He has made the team better since replacing the sacked Frank Lampard in January,” said Hafidz.

“Now, Chelsea has the chance to win the FA Cup, Champions League and finish in the top four.

“That may not have happened if Lampard was still manager.”

Under Lampard, Chelsea conceded 24 goals in only 19 matches and was ninth in the Premier League.

Since the German took over, it has only let in 11 goals in 26 league and cup games and is up to fourth.

Tuchel has suffered only two defeats in 17 Premier League matches. It means the Blues need five points from its two remaining matches to reach next season’s Champions League. It can do that too, by winning the trophy later this month.

Separately, Manchester City won the title on Wednesday morning following Leicester’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United.

United had a mathematical chance of catching its neighbour but opted to make 10 changes ahead of its match against Liverpool earlier this morning.

The plan backfired as the Red Devils were beaten 4-2 this morning despite taking an early lead. United, however, is certain of qualifying for the Champions League and has the Europa Cup final later this month to look forward to.

At the foot of the table, Fulham was relegated when it lost 2-0 to Burnley on Tuesday.

It meant this was the first time in Premier League history that the relegation issue was over with three matches remaining.

Sheffield United lost its spot in the top flight three weeks ago while West Brom was demoted on Monday.

FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
FA Cup final

SUNDAY
Chelsea vs Leicester (12.15am)

Premier League

SATURDAY
Newcastle vs Manchester City (3am)
Burnley vs Leeds (7.30pm)
Southampton vs Fulham (10pm)

SUNDAY
Brighton vs West Ha (3am)
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa (7pm)
Tottenham vs Wolves (9.05pm)
West Brom vs Liverpool (11.30pm)

MONDAY
Everton vs Sheffield United (2am)