In what has been an extraordinary season for Chelsea, only one more game remains and it could scarcely be bigger. The FA Cup might have lost a little of its lustre in recent times but the final at Wembley remains the great annual showpiece event of English football.

Victory would give Chelsea the chance to do the classic domestic double for the second time in their history, adding the premier cup competition to the Premier League title. That their opponents on Saturday will be fierce London rivals Arsenal only adds further spice to what is always a fascinating occasion.

The two clubs have experienced curiously contrasting fortunes in the last few months with Chelsea bouncing back from a poor season to reclaim the title while Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in a generation. Even Arsenal's 3-0 win in September's league meeting between the clubs is arguably remembered more fondly by the Blues. Defeat was the catalyst for change at Chelsea and provided the launchpad for their 13-match winning run that established a lead at the summit that they would never relinquish.

Adding to the intrigue are the differing regards in which each of the managers are currently held by their supporters. Antonio Conte's stock could not be higher. Having masterminded a league title with a record number of wins (30), he is adored by the fans. The players appear appreciative of him, too, judging by how they have taken his meticulous instructions on board. His penchant for exuberantly embracing each of them after a win is clearly a fillip to team spirit and reminiscent of the relationship that Jose Mourinho forged with his squad during his first spell at he club. Such has been his impact that even owner Roman Abramovich could be seen singing his name during the celebrations that followed Sunday's 5-1 win over Sunderland.

Meanwhile, the "will he, won't he" soap operas that have surrounded Arsene Wenger's future for the majority of the season has split Arsenal's fan base. The absurdity of seeing competing aerial banners being flown over stadiums along with the deafening silence coming from the board has highlighted a lack of clarity in all areas of the club.

Not that any of that is Chelsea's concern. Indeed, it could continue to act in their favour regardless of the result at Wembley. It is looking increasingly likely that Saturday will see Alexis Sanchez appear in an Arsenal shirt for the last time, with Chelsea reportedly among a number of suitors. The complications of any deal materialising that would see him swap red for blue are clear but that does not make it impossible. The hard-working and wonderfully-skilled Sanchez would appear to be the perfect fit for a Conte front three and the manager's popularity with the owner could see the necessary funds made available.

Sanchez is unlikely to be the only player to be saying goodbye on Saturday with Diego Costa also seemingly destined for pastures new. The striker's wave to the crowd upon being substituted on Sunday indicated as much. It would be a perfect parting gift if he scored in his second Wembley final after netting in the 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Tottenham two seasons ago.

One player for whom the match will have added significance is Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard spent his formative years at Arsenal where he learned his craft and established his reputation. Nevertheless, he has won more trophies in his three seasons at Chelsea than in his eight in north London, adding two league titles and a League Cup to a solitary FA Cup success with the Gunners in 2005. He certainly owes his former club a debt of gratitude for his development into a top class performer though he is unlikely to be too compassionate with more silverware up for grabs.

On a tactical note, it will be interesting to see how the two systems match up. Wenger has been a recent convert to deploying a back three and it has reaped some success. Even so, opponents that have tried to mirror Chelsea's approach have come unstuck more often than not with only an exceptionally well-drilled Tottenham side coming out on top. Results-wise, Arsenal have enjoyed a good end to the season playing in such a fashion, whether they can sustain that form against a team that won the Premier League by doing so is another question.

Either way, when the final whistle blows on Saturday, one set of fans will be celebrating with the other despondent. The only difference is that those of a Chelsea persuasion will be able to bask in the glow of being champions of England irrespective of the scoreline. Whatever the result on Saturday, this has been a magnificent season for the Blues.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by PHIL LYTHELL

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