With the Premier League title in the bag for Chelsea the last remaining piece of Silverware up for grabs is the FA Cup, but where will it be heading?
Arsenal are bidding to retain the trophy after overcoming Hull City in last years final. It they triumph again they will become the first side to win back-to-back since Chelsea 5 years ago and will also take their total haul of FA Cups to 12 and Arsene Wenger’s personal collection to 6.
The Gunners go into the final in a fine vein of form not having lost in the Barclays Premier League since losing to North London rivals Tottenham 2-1 in February. Recently top scorer Alexis Sanchez looks to be reaching the levels of form he showed earlier in the season with 5 goals in his last 5 games. Coupled with Giroud and Ramsey also reaching double figures it looks like Arsenal have the fire power to take home the trophy.
They have looked stronger at the back too with just 4 goals conceded in their last 8 games. However there will be a dilemma for Wenger over who to pick in goal. The Gunners Gaffer usually goes for his back up keeper for the domestic cup competitions which would currently mean Wojciech Szczesny would get the nod, however Colombian David Ospina’s impressive recent form does give Wenger a selection headache.
Tim Sherwood also has a similar issue with his team selection. Cup keeper veteran Shay Given was picked ahead of usual number one Brad Guzen after the American’s terrible error at the Eithad, but went on to make a mistake of his own in the home victory again Everton. If given does get the upper hand he will appear in his first FA Cup final since playing in the 1998 Newcastle United defeat coincidently against Arsenal.
One thing is for sure though with 20 goals scored in their last 10 games Villa will look to attack from the off and will be looking for 14 goal striker Christian Benteke to make the difference. The big Belgian has recovered from an injury struck first half of the season with 10 goals in his last 8 games and looks to be back to full strength.
For odds on the destination of this years FA Cup head to William Hill Football betting.