Chelsea vs Arsenal: talkSPORT writers predict who will win the Europa League final

Chelsea vs Arsenal: talkSPORT writers predict who will win the Europa League final
Chelsea and Arsenal make the 2,800-mile trip to Azerbaijan to battle it out for the Europa League final on Wednesday night.The Baku showpiece offers a route into next season’s Champions League for the Gunners – and both managers will be hoping to end mixed debut seasons in England with a trophy.GETTY4

Who will be victorious in Baku?

The final takes place against a backdrop of controversy, with UEFA’s decision to host the final in Baku heavily scrutinised.Armenia international Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not travel to Azerbaijan due to fear over his safety, while thousands of tickets have been returned by both clubs due to the cost and logistics involved in the trip.It promises to be an unusual occasion, with so few supporters in attendance, but so much remains at stake. Chelsea have absentees of their own, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger all injured – and N’Golo Kante also looks set to miss out.With all that said, our writers have made their predictions…Sean O’Brien – ArsenalChelsea are missing, arguably, their three best players behind Eden Hazard. Rudiger will prove a particularly big miss against the pace of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.Kante and Loftus-Cheek are the only midfielders who provide any sort of direct thrust – and the Blues risk losing the midfield battle without them.Sarri’s side have a tendency to start slowly, and they also have less motivation than their opponents. Expect Emery’s men to race out of the blocks and grab an early goal.GETTY4

Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have too much for Chelsea

Joe Moore – ChelseaChelsea are extremely annoying. This is known. Even if their form is terrible, their key players playing badly and their manager is burning under the spotlight, they still find a way to win.I reckon they will here, too. Arsenal have greatly improved under Unai Emery this season, but their defence is still not up to scratch.Aubameyang and Lacazette may have something to say about it, but Chelsea may just edge this one.Joe Coleman – ArsenalDespite reaching two cup finals and securing a quite incredulous third-place finish in the Premier League, Maurizio Sarris job is somehow under threat.The job he has done at Stamford Bridge seems to be completely unappreciated by the fans and the board and it is likely this will be both Eden Hazard and the Italians last game.With such a sombre mood surrounding the Blues, expect to see Europa League specialist Unai Emery weave his magic in Baku once again.GETTY4

Will this be a swan song for Hazard at Chelsea?

Josh Fordham – ChelseaThe better of the two teams over the course of the season.Eden Hazard will make the difference in what is likely to be his last game in a Blue shirt.Jackson Cole – ArsenalI’m going for Arsenal to triumph in Baku especially because manager Unai Emery is the Europa League specialist (winning it three years running as Sevilla boss).Meanwhile, for all his good points, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri doesn’t actually have a winners’ medal in his entire career in football apart from individual accolades.Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been pure flames at points this season and Chelsea’s limited defence can be got at by the strikers.N’Golo Kante’s possible absence could be crucial but if Eden Hazard is at his free-flowing best on what is likely to be his farewell Blues appearance, then my prediction of an Arsenal win will probably be wrong!Getty4

N’Golo Kante is a doubt for Chelsea

Oliver Dawney – ChelseaThe Blues in Baku have already secured Champions League football and I believe that will work in their favour.Expect Hazard to dazzle in his last game for the club and be instrumental in the victory.Daniel Sandford – ArsenalArsenal’s strike force will be too much for Chelsea. The pressure is off for the Blues after they finished third in the Premier League.

---

Unai Emery admitted the horror injury suffered by Danny Welbeck affected Arsenal's players in their goalless Europa League draw with Sporting Lisbon. England striker Welbeck was taken to hospital
Unai Emery admits Danny Welbeck injury affected Arsenal

---

Tottenham have reportedly seen a £52million bid for Giovani Lo Celso turned down. The midfielder has been on loan with LaLiga side Real Betis last season and they made the move permanent in April
Tottenham transfer news: Spurs 'have £52million bid rejected

---

Crystal Palace's club doctor has said he and his family were racially abused by a young child near Selhurst Park ahead of the team's 5-3 home victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.
Crystal Palace's team doctor reveals he was racially abused

---

Troy Deeney has been handed a fine of £20,000 by the Football Association for comments he made following his Watford side's draw at Bournemouth earlier this month. The striker claimed referee David Coote "bottled it" when it came to making decisions during the 3-3 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Troy Deeney: Watford frontman given £20,000 fine by Football
hollywoodadviser.com/troy-deeney-watford-frontman-given-20000-fine-by-football-association-for-comments-made-after-bournemouth-draw/
PUNISHED The striker said referee David Coote "bottled it" when it came to making decisions during the game while doing an interview alongside Cherries midfielder Ryan Fraser Troy Deeney has been handed a fine of £20,000 by the Football Association for comments he made following his Watford side's draw at Bournemouth earlier this month.
Watford captain Troy Deeney fined £20,000 by FA for claiming

---

Ipswich Town football legend Bobby Ferguson who helped Sir Bobby Robson's team to UEFA Cup glory dies aged 80. He was Sir Bobby Robson's right hand man during the club's Uefa Cup win in 1981
Matt Holland's Comments - Tractor-Boys.com

---

Eden Hazard transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid has moved a step closer after he was pictured holding a Real Madrid shirt. The Belgian international said his 'goodbye' to Chelsea after helping to win the Europa League title with a 4-1 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday night.
Eden Hazard to Real Madrid: Raphael Varane opens up Chelsea

---

Declan Rice earns debut England call-up after switching

---

Chelsea star Jorginho has warned Maurizio Sarri that he could 'betray' Napoli supporters by taking the Juventus job this summer. Reports claim that Sarri is set to leave Chelsea after less
Sarri to wait for Juventus switch - One News Page

---

The rumours surrounding Spurs manager Pochettino's move to Manchester United are growing every day. With Mauricio Pochettino insisting he is focusing on his season with Tottenham but not ready to commit his future to Spurs. As a result of all there were reports that Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is ready to replace Pochettino at Spurs.

---

Manchester City are the subject of a UEFA investigation over a potential breach of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. European football's governing body announced on Thursday they have opened
Uefa launches formal investigation into Manchester City's FFP

---

Ireland striker Scott Hogan looks set to leave Aston Villa on loan after passing a medical with fellow Championship side Sheffield United. Hogan moved to Villa Park in January of 2017 from
Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan turned down other options to

---

According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has told the Eagles that he wants to move elsewhere this summer to play Champions League football next season. Palace do not want to part with the winger, as he has been one of their standout players in recent seasons.
Wilfried Zaha 'tells Crystal Palace he wants to leave' as

---

Liverpool transfer news LIVE - Reds rule out move for Ajax hero and latest on Reds players' future. Karius expects Besiktas stay. Loris Karius has hinted he will stay at Besiktas next season.
Why Loris Karius has decided to stay away from Liverpool's

---

Fernando Llorente was the difference maker for Tottenham in their memorable Champions League match with Manchester City on Wednesday night. His goal, bundled in from a corner and confirmed by VAR 17 minutes from time, would prove vital in sending Spurs through to a semi-final clash with Ajax.
Three things we learned from Tottenham 0-1 Ajax - Cartilage

---

Goals have been difficult to come by for Nuno Espirito Santo as his side have managed to hit the back of the net nine times in 10 Premier League games - a record worse than everyone outside of
Google News - 기성용 - 최신 뉴스

---