Chelsea go head to head with Manchester United in the 2018 FA Cup final on Saturday hoping to put a disappointing season firmly behind them.
The Blues swept to the title in 2016/17, but they have failed to match those heights this term and ended the current campaign fifth in the Premier League.
This weekend’s game could be manager Antonio Conte’s last in charge of the club, with the Italian looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Conte has almost a full squad to choose from, with just David Luiz and Danny Drinkwater on the sidelines, while United are sweating on the fitness of striker Romelu Lukaku.
United are priced at 4/5 to win the FA Cup, with Chelsea just behind in the betting at Evens.
Chelsea knocked out Norwich City, Newcastle United, Hull City and Leicester City to progress to the last four of the competition and they had a comfortable time of things against Southampton in the semi-finals.
Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata got the goals as Conte’s side beat Saints 2-0 to book their place in the final.
United beat Derby County, Yeovil Town, Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion without conceding a goal to reach the semi-finals, but they had to recover from a goal down against Tottenham Hotspur to reach a record 29th major domestic cup final.
Dele Alli gave Spurs an early lead, but goals by Alexis Sanchez and Ander Herrara sent United through.
Cheap Chelsea tickets were hard to find ahead of last year’s final as the club looked to complete the double, but Arsenal upset the odds with a 2-1 victory.
The London club have won the FA Cup seven times, with their most recent success coming in 2011/12 when they defeated Liverpool.
United last lifted the FA Cup in 2016 when they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time and they built on that last season by winning both the Europa League and the EFL Cup.
The two sides’ most recent meeting came at Old Trafford back in February. Willian gave the Blues a first-half lead, but goals by Lukaku and Jesse Lingard secured a deserved 2-1 victory for United.
That result was Chelsea’s second defeat in their last 15 meetings with United in all competitions, although those results have come in the three most recent matches.
Conte will be eager to end his time at Chelsea with a trophy and secure the £1.8 million prize money on offer to the winners, but United will undoubtedly prove to be tough opponents this weekend.
There is likely to be little to choose between the two sides and odds of 10/1 for Chelsea to win on penalties should give you a run for your money.
