Saturday will see Arsenal look to defend their FA Cup title from Tim Sherwood’s Aston Villa, who are seeking to snatch the silverware and lift the trophy for the first time since 1957. That’s an awfully barren run for a side that has been as prominent in English football as Villa, and it’s about time they broke their duck. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be hoping for a record 12th title.
Arsenal vs. Aston Villa, FA Cup 2015 final: Time, TV schedule and team news
Arsenal are gunning to win a record-breaking 12th FA Cup.
Clive Mason/Getty Images
It’s the Gunners who head into the fixture as favorites, with Arsène Wenger’s side having enjoyed a successful second half of the domestic season. They dropped out of the title race quite early, and freed from the pressures of mounting a Premier League charge, they were able to cruise into third place. When you compare that with Villa, who finished just a place outside the relegation zone, it’s clear that even Arsenal -- who have a habit of buckling under pressure -- should be able to win.
Key player -- Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
Arsenal are almost certainly going to enjoy the lion's share of possession in this match, meaning Villa will have to play on the counter-attack. That will likely mean striker Christian Benteke will be a busy man up top, trying to feed off long passes and second balls in the penalty area. The good news is he's in some killer form: he scored nine goals in as many matches, and has the lethal quality that could produce the match-winning moment from nowhere. Arsenal's defense can't afford to give him a sniff.
Key matchup -- Alexis Sánchez vs. Leandro Bacuna
Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking threat will probably be Chilean winger Alexis Sánchez, who has enjoyed a good first season in the Premier League. The former Barcelona man is generally deployed out on the left of the Gunners’ attack, where he can cut inside onto his stronger foot and create chances for teammates or shoot on goal himself. It’ll be up to Villa’s winger-turned-full-back Leandro Bacuna to try and restrict Sánchez’s opportunities to do so.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Danny Welbeck (knee). In doubt: None.
Aston Villa injuries and suspensions
Out: Ciaran Clark, Chris Herd (knee), Libor Kozák (back). In doubt: Shay Given (groin), Jores Okore (knee), Kieran Richarson (calf).
Arsenal only have one player certainly unavailable in Danny Welbeck, though the same can't be said for Aston Villa. Tim Sherwood's side will be without defenders Ciaran Clark and Chris Herd, while striker Libor Kozák's return from a broken leg has been thwarted by a back injury. Backup goalkeeper Shay Given, defender Jores Okore and midfielder Kieran Richardson all face late tests to determine their availability.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. local
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
TV: FOX (U.S. -- English), Fox Deportes (U.S. -- Spanish), Sportsnet World, Sportsnet One (Canada), BBC One, BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), BBC iPlayer, BT Sport 1 online (U.K.)
See More:
