Arsenal (Getty Images)
With the league coming to an end, Arsenal, for one last time in the season, will face Chelsea in a high-intensity FA Cup final On Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s men have done a brilliant job in the last few weeks of the campaign and will be entering the game on the back of a narrow 3-2 victory over Watford. However, they will take confidence from the victory against Manchester City in the semi-final. A win here would be a big boost ahead of the new season.
On the other hand, the Blues would also be hoping to bring an end to their successful campaign with the FA Cup title. They have been the better side in the league and definitely have an advantage and this fixture will not be an easy task for the Gunners.
Bernd Leno has returned to training but is expected to be out of the game. Gabriel Martinelli, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers will continue on the sidelines due to injury. And Shkodran Mustafi will also be a notable absentee on Saturday.
Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi also haven’t been in the squad in recent weeks and are unlikely to return.
The Argentine is the first-choice shot-stopper in the absence of Leno and is expected to retain his spot in goal. He needs to be at his best once again and keep a clean sheet.
Holding has been decent in the last few opportunities he received. He should get the nod in the absence of Mustafi as Sokratis seems to be completely out of favour.
The Brazilian will be facing his former side once again and needs to keep an in-form Olivier Giroud at bay. Luiz’s experience will be depended upon by Arsenal.
The former Celtic man’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time. He will be a key player and should be the last player to complete the three-man defence for Arsenal.
The Portuguese ace is expected to start ahead of Hector Bellerin, who has returned to training but lacks match fitness. Cedric will be expected to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
The youngster was at his best against City, keeping Riyad Mahrez quiet in the entire game. He should retain his spot.
The Swiss international seems to be a different player under Arteta. He has been a key player since the restart and will be an undoubted starter.
Ceballos seems to be gelling along well with his teammates. He will be key in breaking open Chelsea’s defence. The Spaniard has performed well in recent months and should be given a start.
The Ivorian hasn’t lived up to the expectations in his debut season with the Gunners but would be a better option ahead of Joe Willock. Pepe has the ability to go past defenders with ease and needs to come up with an answer against Chelsea’s defence.
The Gabonese international finished just one goal short of the Golden Boot award and is in a rich vein of form. He will be an undoubted starter.
The Frenchman needs to be at his best against the Blues and should look to finish the season with a goal or two. He should be leading the attack ahead of Eddie Nketiah as he has more experience than the youngster.
