Premier League champions Chelsea will be looking to complete a league-cup double when they take on city rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup final on Saturday. The match will also be quite crucial for the Gunners manager Arsene Wenger as he will be hoping to end the most painful season of his long tenure as Arsenal manager with a record-breaking FA Cup victory. Here’s a look at five reasons why the FA Cup final is a must-watch for all the football fans -
John Terry’s farewell
The FA Cup final will be the last game for John Terry in Chelsea colours and although he is not expected to start the game, it will be the perfect chance for the charismatic defender to end his time with the Blues on a high. He has already won the Premier League title this year and the FA Cup win will be the perfect ending to his enigmatic Chelsea career.
Pride of London
The FA Cup has always been deemed as one of the most prestigious trophies in English football. As a result, it will provide the perfect backdrop for one of the bitterest rivalries of London. When it comes to their head-to-head record, Arsenal holds an 8-5 advantage but recent form will certainly favour Antonio Conte’s men.
{{/usCountry}}The FA Cup has always been deemed as one of the most prestigious trophies in English football. As a result, it will provide the perfect backdrop for one of the bitterest rivalries of London. When it comes to their head-to-head record, Arsenal holds an 8-5 advantage but recent form will certainly favour Antonio Conte’s men.
{{/usCountry}}Arsene Wenger Out?
The debate over Arsene Wenger’s contract extension has been a hot topic among football experts. The Gunners missed out on a Champions League spot for the first time in 18 years and with various sources claiming that this will be the last game for Wenger at Arsenal, the Frenchman would like to end the season on a high clinching the club’s 13th FA Cup title.
Alexis Sanchez vs Eden Hazard
It will be a clash of titans as the two talented playmakers will face each other on Saturday. Sanchez has been a focal point of Arsenal’s attack this season having scored 23 goals and 10 assists in the league. On the other hand, Hazard has proved his doubters wrong this season by putting up a stellar performance which drove Chelsea to the title.
Can Wenger’s ‘young guns’ stop the Chelsea juggernaut?
The two teams have had a very contrasting run of form this season. Arsenal were unable to gain any momentum and defeats against big teams resulted in them missing out on a Top-4 finish. Chelsea, on the other hand, were phenomenal under their new coach Antonio Conte and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal can find a way to stop the Premier League champions.
TV TIMINGS: 10:00 PM IST - Live and Exclusive on Sony SIX HD, Sony SIX SD, SONY ESPN HD, SONY ESPN.