Predicted Arsenal Lineup To Face Chelsea In The FA Cup Final
The domestic league has come to an end and Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal could only manage a fifth place finish in the points table. They have finished outside the top-4 and failed to qualify for Europe for the first time under Arsene Wenger but they do have a chance to make their season a bit better when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Having beaten Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the semi-final, the Gunners will face the Champions of England, Chelsea, in what is expected to be a high-octane encounter at Wembley. This is the last game of the season for both clubs and they are expected to go for the kill.
Team News
The Gunners are still without the services of Santi Cazorla whose seasons was over long back. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in training and is in contention for this game. Laurent Koscielny is suspended after seeing a red card against Everton in the final league game of the season, while Gabriel Paulista is also ruled out for 6-8 weeks. To add to it, Wenger might also be without German star Shkodran Mustafi, who is recovering from an illness.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – Petr Cech
The first choice shot-stopper for Wenger, Cech should keep his place in the side for this crunch tie. His experience will be crucial.
CB – Rob Holding
The youngster has been brilliant as a part of the back three and Wenger should stick with him for this game. A huge moment for this talented young lad.
CB – Per Mertesacker
Though not the best time to be getting back into first team action, the absence of first choice defenders should see Wenger use Mertesacker at the heart of the backline for Arsenal.
CB – Nacho Monreal
The Spaniard has done a good job at the back as a part of the three-man defence and he will have to be at his best, with both Mustafi and Koscielny out of action.
RM – Hector Bellerin
Though the Ox has been effective in this role, he is still a doubt for this game which should see Spanish full-back Bellerin start this final.
CM – Granit Xhaka
The Swiss international has picked up his game recently and is now the first choice for Arsene Wenger. He will have his work cut out against the likes of Kante in this game.
CM – Aaron Ramsey
The Welsh international has also been in decent form of late and will be the danger man in the middle of the park for Arsenal.
LM – Kieran Gibbs
Picked up a niggle recently but is expected to be back in action and should start at left wing-back with Monreal acting as a centre-back.
RW – Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker has been in good touch in the last few games and the system seems to be getting the best out of him. Chelsea will have to plan to stop the German from destroying them.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean is the biggest threat to Chelsea and he will be up against the likes of Azpilicueta and Moses, on the left-flank for Arsenal.
ST – Olivier Giroud
Though Welbeck has added some dynamism to the attack, Giroud is a big game player and has to start this FA Cup final.