It’s going to be the quietest cup final Wembley’s ever staged.
A London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, with a deserted tube station, no scarf sellers and no fans.
Instead, the capital will have to settle down on their chesterfields to watch the telly.
The Blues go into the FA Cup final cock-a-hoop at securing Champions League football via a 2-0 last-day win against Wolves.
Arsenal also finished with a home win, but miss out on Europe, making it their worst league performance for a quarter of a century.
Might that mean that the Gunners want the cup more?
Unlikely. Frank Lampard – surely on the shortlist for manager of the season – has achieved minor miracles already. After brushing aside any transfer ban problems at the start of the season by developing the youngsters in his squad, he wants the trophy that meant so much to him as a player.
“We should be pretty pleased,” was his verdict after defeating Wolves last Sunday.
The issue of who will be between the sticks at Wembley is already settled; Lampard prefers a 38-year-old Willy to the world’s most expensive goalie. The writing is on the wall for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Olivier Giroud, whose determination led to one of the Blues’ weekend goals, will keep his place up front, and Mason Mount, who netted a curling free kick, will also start.
Professionalism, dedication and performance – the three qualities Lamps claims won Sunday’s match – will again be needed beneath the arch.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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