Arsenal make the short-trip across North London to Wembley Stadium to take on Manchester City tomorrow, as they look to cement a place in the final.
Yesterday saw witness to Premier League leaders Chelsea who dispelled the challenge of close rivals Tottenham, and the Blues will be watching today’s match keenly as they await to find out their opponents for cup triumph.
Yesterday’s victors will likely go into the final as favourites somewhat, having much the better league campaign, but neither us nor City will be taken lightly in the final, and it should make for a blockbuster end-of-season finale.
Both sides come into the game with contrasting patches of form, although the Citizens will be the clear pick for form backers. They have scored three goals in each of their last two outings, earning league wins over Southampton and Hull City. Our last win was a tough 2-1 win over Middlesbrough, but were shocked by Crystal Palace before that, and have question marks raised over our recent performances.
We do have the better form at Wembley however, having won two of the last three FA Cup competitions, as well as winning the Community Shield in 2014 and 2015, to give us six competitive victories in the national stadium in the last three seasons.
We are expected to be without five key individuals today, with long-term absentee Santi Cazorla joined by Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Perez, Danny Welbeck and David Ospina.
Predicted XI:
Cech
Gabriel Koscielny Holding
Bellerin Elneny Ramsey Oxlade
Walcott Ozil
Alexis
One worrying piece of news coming from the City camp is that exciting forward Gabriel Jesus is expected to return from injury tomorrow. The Brazilian brought a newfound excitement and energy to his side when featuring following his move in January, and could well come off the bench to turn the match.
I’ve been feeling confident all week about the upcoming match, and in typical fashion, the doubt is beginning to kick-in with the game drawing near. Hopefully Jesus isn’t fit enough to play the full 90 minutes, and Alexis and our boys will have put us too far ahead before he enters the field.
I’m going for a 2-1 win, with Alexis Sanchez to continue his fine goalscoring form of this season.
How do you see the match playing out?
Pat J