Two of the most successful teams in FA Cup history go head to head at Wembley this weekend as defending champions Arsenal take on seven times winners Aston Villa. Arsenal are massive favourites for this game but as we know, the cup can certainly provide an upset or two and Arsenal may be in for a shock on Saturday.
Villa last lifted the famous trophy way back in 1956 and they are overdue a win and whilst they aren’t favourites, they will be able to play without fear as they did in the semi final against Liverpool which saw Brendan Rodgers’ side dumped out 2-1. The two scorers for Villa that day were Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph and if Tim Sherwood’s side are to be victorious on Saturday they need both of them to have fine games with Benteke their main goal threat and Delph their midfield general.
Having gone 10 years without a trophy, Arsenal may well have two in two years and their experiences in last year’s cup final could certainly help them come through this one. 12 months ago they went 2-0 down to Hull City before rescuing it to win 3-2 through goals from Santi Cazorla, Laurent Koscielny and an extra time winner from Aaron Ramsey.
Arsenal have had the measure over Villa this season winning both matches without conceding a goal as they won 3-0 at Villa Park before battering them 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium. However, you can guarantee that these Villa players will be pumped up for this and with both sides favouring attack over defence this could be an exciting game.
Arsenal v Aston Villa Betting Tips
- Arsenal to win – We’re backing the Gunners to win this match inside 90 minutes. Arsenal will be confident having finished the season strongly and they go into this fixture on the back of a 4-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion whereas Aston Villa lost to a Burnley side who had already been relegated. The Gunners have the better squad on paper and they have more goals throughout their side. Arsene Wenger’s men can be backed to win at odds of 4/7 with Ladbrokes.
- Theo Walcott to score first – After last week’s performance where the former Southampton man scored a hat-trick inside 37 first half minutes, we’re tipping him to score first at the weekend at odds of 15/2 with Bet365.
- Christian Benteke to score at anytime – The big Belgian international may well be making his last appearance for Villa on Saturday but he will be looking to go out with a bang. Good on the floor, powerful in the air and a predator in the box, he will be a handful for the Gunners defence and can be backed to score at odds of 3/1 with Bet365.
- Both teams to score – With both teams favouring attack over defence we fancy both to score here with Villa a much better attacking side now than the one which failed to score past Arsenal during the league season. BTTS is at evens with Bet365 and looks great value.