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Arsenal face a stern test this weekend as they tackle Chelsea in the FA Cup final at Wembley, in a match where the Gunners will be seen by the majority as the outsiders.
Chelsea have already won the Premier League this season and are seeking a double, whilst their chances of victory this weekend have been significantly bolstered by Arsenal’s vast defensive concerns ahead of the clash.
Arsenal lost Laurent Koscielny to suspension on the final day against Everton, as the French defender earned a straight red card, and Gabriel Paulista was later stretchered off through injury- adding to an absentee list that already includes Shkodran Mustafi, who’s struggling with concussion.
That means Arsenal are likely to start captain Per Mertesacker for the first time this season, with the German coming off the bench against Everton, and former Arsenal defender Paul Merson is worried for the Gunners’ chances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“Arsenal are struggling in defence. If both teams had brought their A game then Chelsea would still have won, but with Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel out, Shkodran Mustafi potentially out and Per Mertesacker playing at the back I would be shocked if Arsenal got a result.”
“With Arsenal’s defence, I can’t see them coping with Chelsea’s attacking flair. We saw Tottenham play very well in the semi-final and they still let in four goals. Tottenham were the better team on that day and still lost.”
“Arsenal need to have their best defenders playing to have any chance and they haven’t. I think the missing players will mean Arsenal have to go four at the back. If Mustafi plays, they could play him with Mertesacker and Rob Holding as a three. But if he doesn’t then you only really have Mertesacker and Holding.”
“Mertesacker is going to be crucial for Arsenal if he plays; he will have to play very well if Arsenal are to have any chance.”
“If he doesn’t play well then Chelsea are going to cut through Arsenal like a knife through butter. The Arsenal defenders are going to have to have their best games of the season. If they can do that then you never know.”
