This weekend will see the climax of the most famous cup competition in the English game. The FA Cup.
While Wembley Stadium will be empty. All eyes will be glued to televisions the world over to see who will lift the famous cup.
We know it will be heading to London but what part?
Will it be up North with the red ribbons for Arsenal or down South West to Chelsea?
Let’s get excited and build up to the 2020 FA Cup Final.
Saturday 1st of August 2020
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Venue – Wembley Stadium
Kick Off – 5.30 pm
Odds – Home Win 5/2 Away Win 11/10
Watch On – BBC One
Referee – Anthony Taylor
This is the third meeting between both sides this season. With Chelsea winning their first encounter 2-1 in December. The pair came to a 2-2 draw in January. So, if those games are anything to go by, we could except some goals in this year’s final.
Road to the Final
Arsenal began their Road to the Final with a 1-0 win over Championship winners Leeds United in the 3rd Round. This was followed by beating Bournemouth away in the 4th round 2-1. League One side Portsmouth were next. Arsenal beat them 2-0. They faced Sheffield United in the quarter final. The Gunners came away 2-1 winners thanks to a late Dani Ceballos winner. Then they somewhat surprisingly beat last years winners Manchester City in the semi-final. Beating City 2-0 to reach the final.
Chelsea began their FA Cup campaign beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at home in the 3rd Round. They beat another Championship side Hull City 2-1 in the 4th Round. The Blues would beat the Premier League champions Liverpool in the 5th Round. Beating them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. They had another tough tie in the quarter final away to Leicester. Chelsea came out 1-0 winners on the day. They would then beat Manchester United 3-1 in the semi-final. With the help of a disastrous David De Gea performances and a dominate showing.
Always a hard road for anybody. Even getting to a final is tough.
Head To Head
This is a repeat of the 2002 and 2017 finals. Arsenal came out winners of them both. While Chelsea won the last major final these two met in. That been the 2019 Europa League final.
Cup pedigree is on the side of Arsenal. They hold the record for winning the most FA Cups with 13 to their name. While Chelsea look to win their first since 2018.
2020 Final
While the Premier League season is over Arsenal had a decent finishing. They won two from their last three games. With one of those wins coming against champions Liverpool. They ultimately finished 8th which isn’t enough for European football. However, they could secure Europa League football next season with a win here.
While Arsenal are FA Cup royalty. Chelsea are no strangers to the cup either. They have won eight FA Cups in their history. With seven of those coming after 1996/97. They had an identical finish to the season. They won two out of their three final games. With a confident 2-0 win over European rivals Wolves on the final day.
Both will be without well known players for the final. The Gunners are missing Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, Martinelli and Shkodran Mustafi. While Matteo Guendouzi time may be up at Arsenal. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno could also return from injury.
Chelsea will be without Billy Gilmour which is a shame for the young lad. While both N’Golo Kante and Willian are questionable but could still play.
So, will it be a needed confidence boost for Mikel Arteta heading into next season? Or Will Frank Lampard cap off a fantastic first season with silverware?
Whatever happens let’s hope it’s a final to remember.
Verdict – Chelsea to win the day possibly in 90 minutes.
