Penpix of Chelsea FA Cup final squad

LONDON (Reuters) -- Pen pictures of the Chelsea players likely to be in the squad for the May 4 FA Cup final against Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff:

Goalkeepers:

Carlo Cudicini, age 29. The Italian was Ed de Goey's understudy when Chelsea last won the FA Cup in 2000 but has established himself as first choice this season with some stunning displays. Chelsea did not concede a single goal in his first six appearances this season. An agile shot-stopper who has also proved himself reliable in dealing with crosses.

Ed de Goey, 35. The giant Dutchman started the season as first choice but has failed to regain his place after suffering a knee injury in November. He is likely to be on the bench at the Millennium Stadium and his vast experience as a Dutch international will make him a valuable back-up.

Defenders:

Celestine Babayaro, 23. The Nigerian international, who played in the Chelsea team that beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the 2000 final, has had fitness problems this season and is struggling to make the final. Technically gifted, he works the right flank well both in defense and attack.

Graeme Le Saux, 33. An outspoken figure both on and off the pitch, the Jersey-born left-back is confident that he will be have recovered from a calf injury sustained in the semifinal, having missed the 2000 final through injury. Suspect temperament appears to have cost him a place in England's World Cup squad but his ability to attack down the left and cross accurately make him a highly dangerous opponent.

Marcel Desailly, 33. The World Cup-winning France captain has not always performed at the top of his game this season but, given a big occasion, there are few better defenders on the planet. Leads the side by example.

John Terry, 21. The former England Under-21 captain's progress this season has been remarkable in view of a series of off-field problems that have cost him a full England cap. Brave in the tackle and as hard as granite, Terry is one of the few London-born players in the squad and a huge favorite with the fans. Scored the winner in semifinal against Fulham.

Mario Melchiot, 25. The versatile Dutchman can fill in either in central defense, full-back or even midfield. Likes to roam forward and is not afraid to mix it should things turn nasty.

William Gallas, 24. Versatile French defender who looked good during a run in the center alongside Terry early in the season and more recently at full back. Could be on the bench.

Midfielders:

Mario Stanic, 30. The Croatia international brings plenty of nous to the side and he is able to play in most of the midfield positions. Has made an unfortunate habit of picking up yellow cards this season but his technical ability means he can turn a match with one moment of brilliance.

Emmanuel Petit, 31. The left-footed France World Cup winner tasted FA Cup final success with Arsenal in 1998. Combative in the tackle and an efficient user of the ball. After arriving from Barcelona this season he took a long time to find his feet but much improved in the last few months.

Frank Lampard, 23. Formerly of West Ham United, he will relish the all-London atmosphere at his first major final, where he follows in the footsteps of his father who won the Cup twice with West Ham. A good performance could cement his place in the England squad. Best displays this season have been in his favored central midfield role.

Boudewijn Zenden, 25. The Dutch international's season was badly disrupted by a nasty leg gash in January. Fast and powerful, he is liable to cause havoc down the flanks and weigh in with the odd goal. A probable bench spot is his best hope.

Jesper Gronkjaer, 24. The Dane is back after a long-term knee injury. A positive runner with the ball at his feet, he can slice defenses apart and, unlike Zenden, he has the World Cup to look forward to as well.

Strikers:

Eidur Gudjohnsen, 23. Has formed a fruitful partnership with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in the Chelsea attack this season, scoring 22 times for the club he joined from Bolton two years ago. The Icelander combines expert control with cold-eyed finishing and the ability to play his strike partner into scoring positions.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 30. Possessor of the hardest shot in English football and one of the greediest goal appetites as well. The scowling Dutchman is lethal from anything up to 40 meters out and has netted 29 goals for Chelsea this season, many of them spectacular. Rarely passes up the opportunity to take a potshot at goal and can often be seen, eyes bulging, arguing with opponents, referees and teammates. Should be fully recovered from slight groin strain.

Gianfranco Zola, 35. Retirement is beckoning for the little Italian ball wizard who has been seen only in fits and starts this season thanks mainly to Gudjohnsen's fine form. The only survivor from Chelsea's 1997 FA Cup-wining side, he would love nothing better than to cap his career with a third winners' medal.

 

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