It’s finally here! The London Derby in a European final on a night in the Azerbaijan capital city of Baku.
Baku is the largest city in the country with just over 2.236 million residents. It is famed for its medieval walled Inner City.
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It is in this ancient city that Chelsea will go head-to-head against an Arsenal side who boast the Europa-league legend, Unai Emery.
Where will this game be won & lost? Let’s look at the various strengths and weaknesses of both sides.
CHELSEA
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Maurizio Sarri’s men have undoubtedly had an easier ride to the final than Arsenal and if that will have any far-reaching effects in the final showpiece remains to be seen.
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It must, however, be noted that while Arsenal have proven their mettle against the likes of Napoli- a strong favourite for the cup- and Valencia, Chelsea’s toughest opposition came in the form of a Luka Jovic’s Eintracht Frankfurt. The Blues’ were not particularly convincing and needed penalties to reach this final.
CHELSEA
Strong Points
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Eden Hazard
With 19 goals and 15 assists in 59 matches this season, Hazard has undoubtedly been Chelsea’s shining light this season. This is not surprising. What is really mind-boggling is how the Belgian is literarily the ONLY ONE who can get the blues’ going. Bar an exceptional Loftus-Cheek, no other player has stood up to be counted this season.
He will be a marked man tomorrow!
Weaknesses
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Sarriball
In all honesty, Sarriball has been a bust this season. It simply doesn’t work. Chelsea’s season has been a collage of possession and no goals. Against Arsenal, Sarriball might just cost the Blues dearly.
ARSENAL
Strengths
Unai Emery
The Spanish coach made his name by winning the Europa League. He won it three consecutive times with Sevilla and has pulled an unbelievable feat in pushing the Gunners this far. It is because of Emery that the Gunners are slight faves to lift the trophy tomorrow.
Aubameyang & Lacazette
These pair are an apt definition of what the Blues’ are missing. With 30 goals and 5 assists in 49 matches for Auba and 19 goals with 8 assists in 46 matches for Laca, the Gunners’ will surely attack the Chelsea defence for all they’ve got tomorrow.
Weaknesses
Defence
Well, as has often been the case with the Gunners, their defence line is a problem that has still not been solved. When you’re coming up against an Eden Hazard in what is likely his last game in a Chelsea jersey, you have to be on top of your game. The Gunners' defence line simply is not.
In the end, these are two teams who will match each other toe-to-toe on the night. Emery comes with his vast experience in winning the competition. Sarri comes with an Eden Hazard who is desperate to leave the club with a long-lasting memory.
Baku represents the chance at redeeming an all-too-ordinary season for both sides. Who will come out on the other side battered, bruised, broken down but with a trophy to show for it?
