After a forgettable 2016/17 campaign, Arsenal have a golden opportunity to finish the season in the best possible way, with a piece of silverware no less.
No easy task
It will not be an easy task for Arsene Wenger’s men, as they face Premier League champions Chelsea and will hope to be standing victorious over Antonio Conte’s men, especially given their recent form.
One defeat in nine since the Selhurst Park shambles has given Arsenal confidence that their current winning run of five is linked to Wenger’s formation change into a back three.
They’ve conceded four, including a Romelu Lukaku penalty and Peter Crouch’s dubious-looking flick which actually struck his hand before beating Petr Cech into the back of the net.
In comparison, Chelsea survived an April wobble to fight back and regain the Premier League trophy once more this term.
However, they’ve conceded two or more goals in their last seven matches and it could come down to which side wants the trophy on the afternoon.
Next, press conference…
Press conference
Wenger provided team updates and injury news ahead of a crucial clash with Chelsea on Saturday.
Alexis Sánchez has been described as “all right”, though he is unsure whether his talisman is fit enough to start and play the full match, which could include extra time if the scores are level after 90 minutes.
“He needs to go through some tests at the moment and we’ll see how well he comes out of that,” Wenger said. “Knowing the player, knowing his character and knowing his commitment to the club, which I don’t question at all, he’ll make absolutely everything to be fit for Saturday.”
German centre-back Shkodran Mustafi is still a significant doubt for contention however, as Wenger revealed the 25-year-old is still “sick at the moment” and hasn’t trained this week unlike everyone else.
On his chances of playing, he again said he was unsure. “I have to listen to medical people, we still have some worries about [Mustafi].”
An update on Gabriel’s condition has shown that the Brazilian defender is out of action for around six to eight weeks, meaning he will not feature again until early August after sustaining a knee ligament injury against Everton last weekend.
Next, team news…
Team news
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (hamstring) is likely to feature, having missed Arsenal’s last three games after he limped off during a 2-0 away win over Southampton on May 10.
Where the Englishman will play though, remains to be seen. Hector Bellerín has impressed in the Ox’s absence at right wing-back, so it would make sense to start the Spaniard there once again and play Oxlade-Chamberlain elsewhere.
Having impressed whilst playing as a right wing-back against Manchester City in the semi-final, where do you decide to play him? It’s dependent on who else features.
There is a genuine shout for him to be utilised in central midfield once more, as he has excelled there previously and Wenger’s always stressed that’s his long-term plan for future development.
Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey could make up the midfield trio, whilst Mesut Özil would play further forward just behind the striker.
There is a good chance that Per Mertesacker will start against the Blues, in only his second appearance of the campaign. The first was as a substitute against Everton last weekend and there are understandably doubts over his ability to play 90 minutes from the boss.
“Per has the leadership qualities, but I don’t know [if he will start] as he has not played 90 minutes for a long time,” Wenger stated.
“I have until Saturday to make that decision and I have not made up my mind yet. It depends a little bit on the system I will go for, the system I will choose.”
It’d be beneficial to see Alexis come off the substitutes’ bench and make a notable impact, as opposed to risking his fitness by starting him early when Chelsea players are fresh.
Possible XI (3-4-2-1): Cech; Holding, Mertesacker, Monreal; Bellerín, Gibbs, Xhaka, Ox; Özil, Ramsey; Welbeck.
Next, The opposition…
The opposition
Chelsea players have stressed they are working hard in preparation for this game, one that they’ll be keen to win to seal the Double for Antonio Conte during his debut season in England’s top flight.
However, it’ll be interesting to see how they cope against an unpredictable Arsenal side, who have performed far better in the last six weeks than they have across 2017 thus far.
Fortunately though, Conte has a full-strength side to choose from.
As a result, it’s likely that he’ll call upon his most-utilised eleven in the 3-4-3 formation, with Eden Hazard and a rejuvenated Pedro on either wing supporting Diego Costa in attack.
Possible XI (3-4-3): Courtois; Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Alonso, Matic, Kanté, Moses; Hazard, Pedro, Costa.
The most recent match between these two sides was a 3-1 Chelsea win, so Arsenal themselves will be hoping that on neutral ground, they’re able to secure victory over their heavily-fancied opponents.
After all, this could be Arsene’s final game in charge for all we know.
That would give the players further motivation to beat their London rivals and finish a frustrating campaign with a record-breaking 13th FA Cup trophy success.