Take me back to Wembley, FA Cup Final 2015

            The English Premier League (EPL) season has finally ended as of this past Sunday, crowning Chelsea as the regular season champion and owner of the silver. Now, it is time to start handing out the additional hardware. It is Championship Season in European football – kicking off with the highly anticipated FA Cup Final this Saturday May 30^th. This contest pits two teams with significantly different regular reason results, Arsenal and Aston Villa.

            A bit shy of David vs. Goliath, this matchup will be reminiscent of Aston Villa’s entire EPL season; nothing short of an uphill battle, Aston Villa struggled through the season and narrowly avoiding the dreaded relegation line. Now, Aston Villa is yet again in an uphill battle in a win/win scenario. Aston Villa simply making it to the FA Cup final after their abysmal season is a win it and of itself. Now, Villa has the ability to tie up some significant silverware and reconcile for all of their trials and tribulations during the regular season, a true no loss scenario.

            Villa, the clear cut underdog on paper will surely give Arsenal a handful. The electricity flowing through Wembley on Saturday will certainly provide Villa with a major boost. Expect to see Christian Benteke using his size and aggressive play to cause issues for Arsenal’s shaky back line. Anchored by Lauren Kocsielny, The Gunner’s will be hoping to see the likes of the sure footed Frenchman and their tall lumbering giant, Per Mertsesacker, shut down the Belgian striker.

            Arsenal’s season has one full of prolific up’s and down’s. Over the last few seasons, Arsenal has shown just how difficult it can be to win matches against the bottom 1/3 of the EPL table. I am not quite sure if this is due to Arsenal’s relaxed approach to these teams, or speaks directly to the parodied talent currently on display in the EPL. Recently, analysts and fans alike have stated that this season, and the EPL’s performance in the UEFA Champion’s League have been nothing short of humiliating and highlights the lack of true depth and talent in the EPL vs. the rest of Europe.

            Arsenal will need to rely heavily on their play in the midfield. As of late, specifically in their season closing match vs. West Bromwich Albion, Arsenal’s midfield has exploded onto the scene. With the return of Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere from injury, they have provided a much needed lift in spirits and fresh legs after a long season for the Gunners in both the EPL and UCL. Prior to their season finale where they flexed their offensive muscle, Arsenal had not scored at home in 3 previous matches. As of now, the Gunner’s will also need to rely on the uncertain talents of Wojciech Szczęsny. Mastering the shower cigarette, Szczesny’s skills are in question, it is his confidence and focus that tends to be “iffy”. I am interested to see if Wenger goes with the GK who worked the entire FA Cup, or their current starting goalie, David O’spina.

            Aston Villa alike will be interested in which goalie shows up on Saturday for their team. The USMNT rostered keeper, Brad Guzan, has been a man of many faces this season. The goal keeper’s enigmatic performances have left many Villains baffled as well as USMNT supporter’s everyone questioning if he can in fact step into the gaping hole vacated by Tim Howard. Arsenal’s high powered offense might get to Guzan early and often, if this is the case look for his frustration level to grow quickly and his concentration to suffer.

            Saturday’s match will be the 134^th playing of the FA Cup Final. Arsenal will look to defend their title from 2013-2014 when the match kicks off at 12:30pm and in the process become the winningest club in FA Club history. Aston Villa aims to recover from a dodgy regular season and make a splash going into the summer transfer window.

Prediction:

            I am predicting that the first 15minutes of the match will be incredibly high paced. Look to Arsenal to press early and often, utilizing their midfield to set up deep runs in the center of the field. Unless Arsenal can stretch the field wide, many of these runs will be left wanting and opening up for the counter for Villa.  Aston Villa will capitalize on the counter to cause some strife in the Arsenal back line while Benteke will cause quite a headache for whoever Wenger decides to put in net. Arsenal will sit back for the remainder of the half in which I believe they will go into the half at 1-1, and come out strong scoring early on in the 2^nd half putting Arsenal up 2-1. Villa will continue to press hard knowing they have nothing to lose which will open up for a late Arsenal goal between the 75^th and 85^th minutes. Arsenal wins 3-1 and retains in the cup in heartbreak fashion for Villa.

            Get out, drink local beer, start early, and get into this match. The FA Cup will make a grown man cry, trust me I have seen it and his team won. It will also make the most casual of fans into diehard front runners for the day. Get into the spirit of the day, find a pub and buckle up for one hellua finale. As always, cheers!