Arsenal vs Aston Villa FA Cup Final Preview and Prediction

Arsenal vs Aston Villa. The biggest match at Wembley Stadium all year. The FA Cup has so much honor and tradition, making it the second most prestigious competition in all of England.

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Behind winning the Premier League, winning the FA Cup is one of the best accomplishments an English manager can have. Winning it back-to-back is something all together greater.

Only two clubs since 1990 have won back-to-back FA Cup’s — Arsenal (twice) and Chelsea — which shows how difficult it is to win the title. Should Arsenal defeat Aston Villa, it would be the third time in 25 years that the Gunners repeated as FA Cup champions.

Facing off against the Gunners in their repeat attempt, Aston Villa will be looking to end what many will call, a tough season, on a high note. Giving former manager Paul Lambert a five year extension then sacking him midway through February was the beginning of the Villians tumultuous season.

The side now has the chance to right their wrongs and give the supporters a FA Cup to take back to Villa Park. Should Tim Sherwood defy the odds and defeat Arsenal, it would cement his place at Aston Villa and as a manager in the Premier League.

Key Stats

  • Aston Villa have three wins in their last 34 matches against Arsenal.
  • Arsenal have won the last three matches by a combined score of 10-1.
  • Aston Villa scored two goals in all but one of their FA Cup matches this season.
  • Arsenal have only lost once in their last fifteen competitive matches.

Players to Watch

With Danny Welbeck not available due to injury, Arsenal will need to see top form from forward Olivier Giroud. The French forward will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Villa back line — the same back line that allowed six goals against Southampton.

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If Arsenal can get an early lead against the Villians, the match will be pretty much won for the Gunners. With Christian Benteke the only real threat for Aston Villa, isolating the forward will be the defensive strategy.

Speaking of Benteke, Aston Villa’s FA Cup dream will lye squarely on his shoulders. Is Benteke can find the back of the net at least once against the Gunners, the match could go right to the wire. Holding back the attack of Arsenal will also be key for the side.

If Aston Villa can keep Arsenal from many quality scoring chances, Villa could find themselves leading at the final whistle. However, depending on the form of Olivier Giroud, this match could be over before it has even started.

Also of not for this match, should Aston Villa return from Wembley Stadium victorious, the side that finished 17th in the Premier League this season will be playing in the Europa League, giving the fans an extra thrill come next season.

Arsenal — 3, Aston Villa — 1

Next: Should Theo Walcott Start the FA Cup Final?