Arsene Wenger and Arsenal will have the chance to bring to an end a nine year winless drought this Sunday as they head into the FA Cup Final against Hull as the clear favourites to bring home the oldest national Cup competition in Europe and the world. It has been a lean spell for the Londoners, with more than one final defeat, coupled with continuous league disappointment, during this period, but Sunday presents a golden opportunity to win some silverwear for the first time since the club moved to the Emirates Stadium. They will come up against a motivated Hull side, who, despite enduring a nervy end to the season, losing the last three games and ending up in sixteenth place, will have been dreaming of Wembley glory ever since beating Sheffield United in the semis one month ago.
FA Cup Final Odds
Arsenal 4/9
Draw 10/3
Hull 6/1
The road to the semifinals has been tougher for Wenger’s men, as they have had to endure tough trips away from home throughout the latter stages of the competition right up until their semifinal win at Wigan. Prior to that win at Wigan, they overcame both the Liverpool-based sides, as well as a London derby against traditional rivals Tottenham in the last 32.
Hull, on the other hand, faced a relatively easier task, with Sunderland the only Premier League side to have crossed their path on their way to Wembley. Despite this, reaching the FA Cup final is no easy task, and their convincing 5-3 win against Sheffield United proved that they are here to play some ball. Whether it will be as open as the game in the semis is another story all together, of course, but they will be keen to prove that they deserve a place in the showpiece event on Sunday.
The favourites tag is firmly on Arsenal (1/4 to lift the trophy), however, and many punters will be sure to back the team that finished fourth in the Premier League. They have the big name players and the game to take the match away from Hull (3/1 to lift the trophy), and the Hull management and players will know this. Cup final day is a strange phenomenon, however, and Arsenal’s poor history in the big games in recent times will be a concern for fans and punters alike. The tide must eventually turn, though, and Arsenal must be confident of putting this one in the bag. At 6/1, though, many will consider backing Hull for the underdog victory.
Check out the official FA Cup website to keep up with the latest news and updates leading up to the game.
Tagged With : Arsenal • Arsene Wenger • FA Cup Final • Hull