“I don’t think they will cope” – Paul Merson reveals prediction for Chelsea v Arsenal FA Cup final
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has revealed his prediction ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup final clash.
The Gunners take on their London rivals Chelsea in the final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.
Merson believes Arsenal will struggle to cope with a rampart Chelsea side. Furthermore, the SkySports pundit has predicted a comfortable win for Antonio Conte’s boys.
“It’s an important game for both teams,” Paul Merson told SkySports.
“To win the Double is massive. It’s not done that often, so it’s a big game for Chelsea.
“However, this is Arsenal all over, they have won the FA Cup a few times recently so they can perform in one-off games but in the league it’s 38 games and it’s when they have to park the bus and try to get a 0-0 draw they come up short.
“If Eden Hazard can get on the ball in the open spaces at Wembley then he cause problems.
“Arsenal don’t usually play a cancelling out game. They might try that to give themselves a chance, but the way they usually play with you have a shot and we have a shot I don’t think they will cope.”
The FA Cup is Arsenal’s only chance of lifting silverware this season following a disappointing 12 months.
The north London-based club have failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 20 years. Arsenal ended the season in fifth place, a point behind fourth placed Liverpool.
Arsene Wenger’s side also suffered a humiliating 10-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The French tactician’s future at the club is shrouded in mystery with his contract set to expire this summer.
