Chelsea Aim for the Double in Potential Wenger Swansong
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Having already won the Premier League title in convincing fashion, Antonio Conte takes his Chelsea team to Wembley to complete the domestic double.
It would be regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the Premier League era, if Conte could steer the Blues to the double in his first season of management in the English game. It will be only the second double in the history of the club, should Conte take the FA Cup to Stamford Bridge.
While appearing in an FA Cup final is nothing new for Arsenal and their manager, Arsene Wenger, it will be the first time they have taken the pitch under the Frenchman having failed to secure a Champions League place.
There has been plenty of talk about Wenger’s future during the second half of the season, with many fans calling for their manager to leave. If this is to be his final game, Wenger would like nothing more than to leave having won a trophy.
Despite the doom and gloom surrounding the club, trends show Arsenal have been in good form recently, winning all their previous five games and eight of the last nine. There have been wins over Leicester City, Manchester United and Everton in the Premier League.
Arsenal also defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, to set-up this meeting with Chelsea in the final. In truth, the semi-final against Pep Guardiola’s team was the first time Arsenal have really been tested in the FA Cup this season, having overcome Preston North End, Southampton, Sutton United and Lincoln City.
Chelsea have spent the week in celebratory mood, having rounded off their title winning campaign by defeating Sunderland 5-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. That win was Chelsea’s seventh in a row and they have won nineteen of their last twenty-three games in all competitions. During that run, trends show they have lost two and drawn two matches, which is a tremendous record.
Conte’s team enjoyed a comfortable passage through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup this season, defeating Peterborough United, Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, they deserve their place in the final having beaten Manchester United and Tottenham Hotpsur in the latter stages.
Wenger has problems in defence leading up to this match, with Laurent Koscielny suspended and Gabriel Paulista injured. There are also doubts over the fitness of Shkodran Mustafi, meaning Wenger will be short of players if he wishes to continue playing three at the back.
Conte on the other hand, is only without Ruben Loftus-Cheek and otherwise has a full squad from which to select his starting XI. The Italian’s major decision will be in midfield, with Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic competing for a place alongside N’Golo Kante.
Arsenal have only defeated Chelsea twice in their last twelve meetings in all competitions and one of those was in the Community Shield. Given the fact the Gunners are without at least two key defenders and Chelsea will be at full strength and full of confidence, there can only be one winner.
Expect Chelsea to come out on top in this game by a couple of goals and crown a fantastic first campaign for Conte. As for Wenger, it may be time to say goodbye.
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