Saturday, 30 May 2009

FA Cup Final preview: Chelsea v Everton

If Chelsea fail to win the FA Cup this afternoon, it will mean a second successive season without trophy success.

True, they have finished runners-up in the Premier League and the Champions League two seasons ago and then reached the semi finals in Europe this time around.

But Roman demands trophies.

That so much was obvious when he ditched Avram Grant, a move which pleased many Chelsea supporters, despite their appearance in the Moscow final.

In came Luis Felipe Scolari, the former World Cup-winning coach.

But, unsurprisingly, Abramovich disposed of the him as Chelsea were cut adrift in the league and struggled to beat Southend United in the FA Cup.

Since the arrival of his replacement, Guus Hiddink, things have improved significantly. Chelsea have played 21, won 15, drawn 5 and lost just the once.

Hiddink clearly commands the respect of the players and the fans are demanding he stays.

But Hiddink himself has said he is committed to his contract with the Russian national team, where his boss is, of course, Abramovich.

Perhaps something might be sorted out after all. But it would help if the Hiddink could win the Cup and prevent that second trophy-less season.

***

Everton fans have to go back to 1995 for their last trophy when Paul Rideout's goal helped the Toffees beat Manchester United 1-0 in the Cup Final.

But, while they have failed (so far) to pick up a pot, Everton have undoubtedly achieved under the astute management of David Moyes and are deserving of their position as the 'best of the rest'.

In the last five seasons, Everton have finished 4th (above Liverpool), 11th, 6th, 5th and 5th again.

This season's fifth place was particularly impressive as a sluggish start and poor home form left them needing to catch up.

The Toffees also had to play for parts of the campaign without a recognised striker after injuries to Yakubu, Louis Saha (not a surprise casualty), James Vaughan and - most recently - Victor Anichebe.

While Chelsea can name a full-strength team after Frank Lampard's declaration of fitness, Moyes will be forced into playing a weakened team in the Cup final.

The midfield talent of Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta is out for the season.

But Everton are unlikely to capitulate - they rarely do. Both matches against Chelsea in the league this season finished 0-0.

They also drew 0-0 with Manchester United before a penalty shoot-out success. It is all lined-up to be a tight match.

What a way to celebrate the signing of Moyes' five-year contract this season if he could deliver a trophy under the Wembley arch.

***

Teams
CHELSEA
Cech - Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole - Essien, Mikel, Lampard - Anelka, Drogba, Malouda

EVERTON
Howard - Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Baines - Osman, Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini - Saha.

Route to the Final
CHELSEA
Third round- Southend United (h) 1-1, (a) 4-1 in replay
Fourth round- Ipswich Town (h) 3-1
Fifth round- Watford (a) 3-1
Sixth round- Coventry City (a) 2-0
Semi finals- Arsenal (n) 2-1

EVERTON
Third round- Macclesfield Town (a) 1-0
Fourth round- Liverpool (a) 1-1, (h) 1-0 aet
Fifth round- Aston Villa (h) 3-1
Sixth round- Middlesbrough (h) 2-1
Semi finals- Manchester United (n) 0-0, won 4-2 on penalties

Previous FA Cup Final appearances
CHELSEA
8 appearances, 4 wins (1970, 1997, 2000, 2007)

EVERTON
12 appearances, 5 wins (1906, 1933, 1966, 1984, 1995)

Prediction
1-0 to Chelsea. Goal by Anelka in the second half when the injuries to Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta finally take their toll.

Anelka finished Premier League top-scorer this season. He also scored in the FA Cup Final for Arsenal in 1998.

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