Friday, March 29, 2024

FA Cup Final: Team News And Predicted Line-Ups

As the curtain is brought down on yet another season for this Arsenal side, there’s time for one last performance, and this time the boys will hit the big stage.

As if we didn’t need any reminder, the Gunners make the short trip down to Wembley on Saturday afternoon, as they take on fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.

Both managers have spoken about their desire to play the best possible side, and after a relaxed final day of the season we can expect a high tempo fixture come 5.30pm.

Embed from Getty Images

Team News

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns following the 4-1 victory over West Brom last weekend.

Danny Welbeck: It’s not good news for the Englishman who is still recovering from a frustrating knee injury he suffered in the 0-0 draw against Chelsea back in late April. Not only will he miss the final, but the boss confirmed their will be no chance of him making the England squad when they face Republic of Ireland in June.

Mikel Arteta: The captain is finally back in full training which is great news seeing as his last appearance came in November. However, it looks as if the final will come too soon for the Spaniard, who is missing any sort of match fitness.

Matthieu Debuchy: The right-back is back in contention for a starting place, with his hamstring injury finally healing up. Wenger now has a choice to make as to whether Debuchy or Bellerin get the nod for the final.

Embed from Getty Images

Aston Villa

Shay Given: Veteran goalkeeper, Given, is facing a challenge to be fit in time for the final. The former Manchester City shot-stopper sat out of their final game against Burnley last week and since resuming full training is making a steady recovery. He is a doubt.

Kieran Richardson: The left-back has returned to training following a slight calf strain, but Sherwood told the media his chances of making the final look slim.

Likely Lineups

Arsenal

Arsenal fans are waiting anxiously over the boss’ decision as to who will feature between the sticks. David Ospina has enjoyed a great run of form since his Premier League inclusion back in January, but if we’re going by Wenger’s traditions, we can expect to see Wojech Szczesny getting the nod.

Matthieu Debuchy could be drafted in to right-back following his last appearance, which was the semi-final win at Wembley against Reading. That of course will mean Hector Bellerin drops to the sidelines, but the Spaniard can be thankful for already playing more than he could have expected.

Embed from Getty Images

In the middle of defence we can expect to see a partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny, which means the Gunners could be vulnerable to a Villa counter attack. The defensive pair has been solid all season, conceding the least amount of goals in the Premier League since they first linked up.

Nacho Monreal will continue his impressive run at left-back, he was rested for the 4-1 victory over West Brom.

At centre defensive midfield we’ll see a familiar pairing of Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla, who have surprised us all throughout the season. Cazorla will be allowed to push on through the centre, with Villa likey to line up with two or three defensive midfielders.

An attacking trio of Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez will complete our midfield for tomorrow, and that could spark danger for Tim Sherwood’s side, with two of those players being our top goalscorers for the season.

Up front is still a position we are yet to confirm, and if Danny Welbeck was fit you could expect him to feature seeing as it is an FA Cup side. For this reason, and after the choice to put Theo Walcott at striker last week, we can expect to see Olivier Giroud drop to the bench. The Frenchman hasn’t picked up a goal since early April, and after a hat-trick from Walcott last week, it’s hard to ignore the heavy breathing that will be shooting down Arsene Wenger’s neck.

Aston Villa

Villa may be forced to use 22-year-old goalkeeper, Jed Steer, if their first choice shot-stopper fails to maintain match fitness in time. Steer has very little experience in the Premier League, and therefore an occasion like a Wembley final may be more overwhelming than Villa fans may wish for.

At the back, Villa are expected to line up as they did against Liverpool, but only if Kieran Richardson is passed fit. Leandro Bacuna will continue an impressive season at right-back, whilst the experience of Ron Vlarr and Nathan Baker will dominate the centre of defence. If Richardson is passed fit he will complete the back four, but otherwise Sherwood may be forced to play N’Zogbia in a more defensive position, or play with three at the back.

Embed from Getty Images

Ashley Westwood, Tom Cleverley and Fabian Delph are expected to feature in the middle of the park, and will be worked hard during the 90 minutes of football. Not only do they have to deal with Alexis and Ozil, but they are also responsible for establishing a counter attack. Cleverley could be the key man to winning this final.

An attacking trio of Gabby Agbonlahor, Christian Benteke and Jack Grealish will complete the Villa starting eleven, and Arsenal fans will know exactly what damage these men can do. Grealish has grown into the rising star under Tim Sherwood, and Benteke, who is currently at 15 goals in all competitions, will want to cause even more damage to raise the eyebrows of the Premier League’s big boys.

Arsenal XI: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott

Aston Villa XI: Given, Bacuna, Vlarr, Baker, N’Zogbia, Cleverley, Westwood, Delph, Grealish, Agbonlahor, Benteke

Now you know how they’re expected to line up tomorrow, check out an in-depth look at the Villa players responsible for stopping Arsenal making it 12 FA Cup trophies.

 

Explore more