FA Cup Final Preview: Chelsea vs Arsenal

Premier League champions Chelsea will look to clinch a domestic double under Antonio Conte when they face off against Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Both clubs have had a decent record in the FA Cup over the years with the Gunners, in particular, having won the competition in two of their last three seasons.

Regardless of this, Chelsea hold a distinct advantage versus their London counterparts due to an injury-free squad which could potentially inflict harm on a Gunners backline – without Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.

Koscielny received a straight red card against Everton in the final league outing which rules him out of the Wembley clash, while Gabriel damaged his medial ligaments during the same game.

Players to watch for:

Eden Hazard (Chelsea):

The Belgium international caused havoc in the Gunners’ defence during the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season. He will no doubt be the main threat for Arsene Wenger’s side once again, and stopping him would be key to the Gunners’ quest for a record 13th FA Cup.

League rivals Manchester United tried to foul the Belgian to the ground, but the attacker managed to ward off challenges before the holders went down to 10 men – eventually losing 1-0 in the quarter-final.

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal):

The flying Welshman as some may say – has not quite lived to his expectations since his extraordinary season in 2013-14, which indeed saw him linked with Barcelona. Ramsey has always had his critics while wearing the Gunners shirt, but he has always managed to find a way to impress the club’s faithful.

Ramsey scored the winner in the 2013-14 FA Cup triumph, and he could be the driving force for the Gunners after having been offered a free role in the new 3-4-2-1 formation.

Prediction:

For the neutral point of view, the game should go to extra-time.

Backing Ramsey to prove his big-game potential, Arsenal to edge it 2-1

Image: BPI