Arsenal XI vs Chelsea: Mikel Arteta’s Predicted FA Cup Final selection

Arsenal take on Chelsea in an all-London 139th FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. 

Mikel Arteta is aiming to win a trophy to cap off a progressive start to his reign as head coach at the Emirates.

As well as having the opportunity to extend the Gunners’ record FA Cup wins to 14, the final also the club with its last chance to seal European qualification.

After finishing eighth in the Premier League, only victory against Chelsea will secure Arsenal a place in the Europa League next term.

Defeat and the North London side will miss out on competing on the continent for the first time since the 1995/96 season.

In the Premier League this term, the Gunners lost 2-1 to the Blues at the Emirates in December before claiming a credible 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge a month later.

So who will Arteta pick to get the job done at the home of football? We predict Arsenal’s starting XI for the FA Cup final…

GK: Emiliano Martinez 

The Argentine has impressed between the sticks since deputising for the injured Bernd Leno in June. Will hope to top off an eye-catching period with a winner’s medal.

RB: Hector Bellerin 

The Spaniard has been rotated back in following a long-term injury but Arteta has always selected him for the bigger games – such as the semi-final. Bellerin will now aim to win a third FA Cup after victories in 2015 and 2017.

CB: Rob Holding

With Shkodran Mustafi sidelined after having surgery on a hamstring injury picked up in the semi-final win against Man City, Arteta is expected to opt for Holding who has started two matches since.

CB: David Luiz

Having faced a lot of stick, David Luiz has proved his worth in recent weeks with some commanding displays. The Brazilian will hope to win his third FA Cup against the club he won the trophy twice with.

LB: Kieran Tierney 

A winner of two Scottish Cups with Celtic, Kieran Tierney will be aiming to add an FA Cup winner’s medal to his collection. Injuries hampered the Scot’s start to his Arsenal career, but he has been solid and dependable since the restart.

MF: Dani Ceballos

After showing flashes of what he’s about earlier in the seaosn, Dani Ceballos has returned a fitter and more consistent performer for Arsenal since the restart. On loan from Real Madrid, it’s not yet been confirmed whether Arteta will seek a permanent deal in the summer.

MF: Granit Xhaka

The Swiss midfielder looked to be finished at Arsenal after his on-pitch outburst as the captain back in October. However, the Swiss international has been a key player in Arteta’s side and will hope to win his second FA Cup – and second against Chelsea – on Saturday.

MF: Ainsley Maitland-Niles

This is Arteta’s most difficult selection. Bukuyo Saka, Lucas Torreira and Reiss Nelson could all round off the midfield but, after doing the job against Man City in the semi-final, we think the Spaniard will stick with Maitland-Niles.

FW: Nicolas Pepe

Nicolas Pepe has shown glimpses of the talent he possesses since his club-record move last summer. Although he’s not always been a starter, he performed well in the semi-final against Man City and carries a threat which Chelsea will be wary of.

FW: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (c)

The Gunners’ outstanding player once again this term with 27 goals in all competitions, including both in the semi-final win against Man City, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang poses the greatest threat to Chelsea. With uncertainty over his future, Arsenal fans will hope an FA Cup win can persuade him to stay.

ST: Alexandre Lacazette

Restored to the starting line-up in recent weeks, the Frenchman will hope to finish a somewhat below par season on a high. The striker played a key part in the lead up to the first goal in the semi-final win at Wembley and will hope to add to his 12 goals this term in this showdown.