It would be fair to say that neither club’s fans will be entirely satisfied with their league campaigns, but Arsenal and Chelsea’s run to the Europa League final have offered both clubs the chance to sign off the season on a positive note.

Considering that the two sides know each other so well, you would expect that both managers will be heading into the game with a set game plan in mind.

Gunners boss Unai Emery will be looking towards the 2-0 win at the Emirates back in January as inspiration, but the fact that the final will be played at the neutral venue does place some doubt on how Arsenal’s players will perform.

With an excellent home record contrasting with such poor form away, you would be worried if you are a Gunners fan about the team putting in another poor display in Baku.

However, in Europe, things have been different on the whole, with the 4-2 win in Valencia demonstrating the Gunners’ goalscoring ability and greater resilience on the road.

So how will this strange mix of a European tie and overfamiliarity between the two teams affect the outcome of the match? Let’s look at some of the key areas.

Arsenal’s Defence V Chelsea’s Attack

I don’t think any Arsenal fan would put a bet on the Gunners keeping a clean sheet, considering the fragility of the backline that has been evident throughout the season.

Sokratis, Koscielny and Monreal are likely to be the favourites to play in a back three, with the formation being regularly used throughout the tournament. However, the win over Chelsea at the beginning of the year used a back four, with a three-man screen in midfield.

Both options are equally valid, and considering the threat posed by Eden Hazard on the left, a back four may be more sensible to make it easier to double up on the Belgian.

Midfield Battle

This is where Arsenal could have the biggest edge over their opponents. If Emery employs Torreira, Guendouzi and Xhaka to hound Jorginho, there could a lot of turnovers of possession leaving Chelsea vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Without the dynamism of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and injury doubts over N’Golo Kante, the Gunners could well win the battle in the middle of the park, giving them a great platform to go on and win the game.

Arsenal’s Attack V Chelsea’s Defence

Aubameyang and Lacazette will likely be partnered up front once again, and you can’t see Chelsea keeping a clean sheet with both players on the field.

With their most consistent defender, Antonio Rudiger, out for the season as well, Maurizio Sarri will have to rely on the relatively inexperienced Andreas Christensen and the erratic David Luiz. Auba and Laca will be licking their lips, especially as the Gunners scored four goals during their two encounters in the league earlier this season.

Conclusion

Essentially, the game will be decided on which side’s defence is able to hold out. It will be an end to end game I think with plenty of chances, and if Arsenal get the best of the midfield battle, they will be slight favourites.