It is going to be an all-London affair on the 27th May at Wembley, as Arsenal take on the new Premier League Champions, Chelsea, in the FA Cup final.
This fixture has huge importance for both teams because for the blue side it could wrap up a historic double for Antonio Conte; in his debut season. But for the red side, it could either be a chance of redemption for Arsene Wenger or a farewell trophy as his job hangs in the balance.
Chelsea have been one of the standout teams in both the league and the FA Cup this season as they have overcome some serious contenders.
Beating Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge was topped by the impressive 4-2 win over Tottenham in the semi-final; despite resting Hazard and Costa. The manager will be hoping they continue in the same vein when they line up under the arch once again.
Despite a scintillating win against Manchester City in their semi-final, the run for FA Cup has been fairly easy for Arsenal. Coming up against Sutton United, Lincoln City and a weak Southampton side have aided their progression but the old saying “you can only beat the team that is put in front of you” has rung true this season. However, even against Championship side Preston North End in round 3 they needed the help of a late Oliver Giroud winner.
Going into the game, Conte has described his side as underdogs, but this is simply not true. It is, of course, a mind game from the former Juventus boss because Arsenal have been weakened since the news broke that Shkodran Mustafi is a major doubt with a concussion and Laurent Koscielny is suspended after his reckless challenge against Everton.
Diego Costa will be rubbing his hands with glee as he will be allowed to be as bullish as ever against a second string defence.
Key Players
This term, Chelsea have been an outstanding unit, and all the players have stepped up after the disaster 2015/16 campaign. However, the man who will be critical for his side is the interception king N’Golo Kante. In the summer transfer
In the summer transfer window, it might have seemed obvious that he would move on from Leicester and he decided Chelsea was a better option than Arsenal.
He keeps everything ticking over, never stops running and will harass the likes of Ozil till the sun comes down. Kante is a big game player, and he even contributed with a goal in the vital 1-0 win over Manchester United.
For Arsenal, there is but one man who can drag them over the line, and that has to be the Chile international Alexis Sanchez.
The former Barcelona man is on fire; he has netted 5 goals in his last 4 league fixtures and will be looking to add another goal to his overall season tally. This game will be his 2nd final in 3 seasons but could ultimately be his last for the Gunners.
Speculation continues to grow that he will leave and without Champions League football he may favour a short trip to South West London to play in the blue of Chelsea.
Prediction
You have to think there is only one winner in this but Arsenal did surprise many with a win in the semi-final. However, this might be a step too far as they come up against this well-oiled machine who are so tough to break down. I expect a Chelsea win and an Arsenal Fan TV meltdown.
