It all comes down to one game. Just one clash left to determine whether Unai Emery's first season at the Arsenal helm has been a success, and its against a familiar foe; Chelsea in the Europa League final.
A title in his first season, supported by a 5th place finish in the Premier League, would mean Emery has produced the goods when almost everyone thought it wasn't possible - and having only missed out on the top four by a point, it was so much closer than many predicted. He knows the Europa League extremely well from his time at Sevilla where he won it three times in four seasons, which leaves Arsenal in a great position. Compare this to Mauricio Sarri, who's never won a trophy anywhere, and Arsenal are pretty much favourites to win it and land the highly coveted spot in next season's Champions League. Chelsea on the other hand, will be looking to upset the Gunners' plans, and win one last trophy for their likely departing talisman Eden Hazard.
Following all the drama and publicity that has surrounded the Europa League over the last few weeks, with Mkhitaryan not travelling due to Azerbaijani-Armenian politics, fans from both sides being unable to get to Baku, and consequently Arsenal and Chelsea sending allocated tickets back, the return of Danny Welbeck has pretty much gone under the radar. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is unlikely to have been in Emery's starting XI and as much as Welbeck (even if in form and fully fit) isn't likely to start either, the impact that he can bring from the bench could be game changing. Arsene Wenger always liked Welbeck for his work rate, unselfishness, ability to handle the big occasion and his often unexpected goals record, and I'd be surprised if Emery didn't agree. With youngsters having populated the Arsenal bench for much of this season's Europa League campaign, having Danny Welbeck available again is a huge boost, regardless of anything else.
The other big talking point of late has surrounded Arsenal's starting goalkeeper. Now sentiment is great but it's a final and with so much more than just a trophy at stake, Emery needs to start his best keeper to give his side the best chance. That means giving Bernd Leno the nod. If Arsenal had secured a top four finish in the league then perhaps sentiment could continue and Cech could start his final match as a professional in a cup final. But added to the badly timed announcement of his next career move, it doesn't look a good option to start the retiring Czech stopper tomorrow night. Leno is quicker out of the blocks, has better reflexes and suits Arsenal's 'pass out from the back' style of play far more than Petr Cech. Its the harsh reality of the situation but its needs must as next season's Champions League is highly likely to play a huge part in Arsenal's progress as a football club. Wenger did it all those years ago with David Seaman returning for a cup final having not started any earlier games in the competition. Its a results business and Emery needs a result. Leno between the sticks gives him the best chance of getting this result.
Elsewhere, the starting XI should really pick itself. The shape should be a back three with wing backs as its been, by far, Arsenal's best performing shape throughout the season. Although, a back four was the winning remedy against Chelsea at home in the Premier League, Emery's men look far better in a back three; the defence is more solid and the attack is a true striker's pairing. The Gunners need Mesut Ozil to turn up here, his forwards are dangerously effective as a duo but will thrive with him in full swing. As a trio they can light up any defence with movement, precision passing and deadly finishing, and Emery will be asking for it in abundance tomorrow night. With no new injury concerns to contend with, Unai Emery has Welbeck back in the fold and only Bellerin, Holding and Ramsey out through injury.
Chelsea and Sarri on the other hand have a few new injury concerns to deal with. England youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi are out for over six months each whilst unconfirmed reports say N'Golo Kante will also miss the game thorugh injury. Centre back Antonio Rudiger is another definite first team absentee as he's missed much of the run-in through injury but he is expected to be fit for preseason. Eden Hazard remains the dangerman though, and with former Gunner Olivier Giroud in fine goalscoring form in Europe, alongside the dangerous Pedro and/or Willian, going forward Chelsea will be confident. They also have the experienced goal machine Gonzalo Higuain who hasn't really taken to life in London but will be a threat no less. In midfield, especially without Kante, is where Chelsea may struggle. Jorginho sets the tempo which he's likely to do anyway but without the dynamic Kante in there, it could be an uphill battle. Neither Kovacic nor Barkley are known for their industry or work going the other way so without energy and dynamism, Torreira and Xhaka could really leave their mark.
Expected lineup:
GK: Bernd Leno
CB: Sokratis
CB: Laurent Koscielny
CB: Nacho Monreal
RWB: Ainsley Maitland-Niles
CM: Granit Xhaka
CM: Lucas Torreira
LWB: Sead Kolasinac
CAM: Mesut Ozil
ST: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
ST: Alex Lacazette
Prediction: 3-1 to the Arsenal with our deadly strikers doing the damage.
Whatever the line ups and whoever the starting personnel, both teams will be up for it. It's a trophy both clubs want and with next season's Champions League on the line, Arsenal are desperate. Going for it could play into Chelsea's hands a little but one or two goals from Aubameyang or Lacazette and it'll be a nervy occasion for the Blues. Attacking football is the only thing this Arsenal side knows and in all honesty it's the only thing that'll win them this football match as it will be tough to keep Hazard and co out. A big performance from Laurent Koscielny and his defensive cohorts is a must. A trophy yes but more importantly next season's Champions League will define our football club's next few seasons. Without it, it could be more budget rebuilding but with it, it's another huge investment and a shot at the big time.
COYG
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