UEFA Europa League final: expert predictions
Wednesday, May 29, 2019
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A selection of former Arsenal and Chelsea players, plus some neutrals, have made their guesses.
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Who will win? UEFA.com rounds up the views of football experts and club insiders ahead of tonight's UEFA Europa League final between Chelsea and Arsenal.
The resuts of our 11-man celebrtity straw poll? Six players are going for a Chelsea win, two back Arsenal, and three are sitting on the fence.
Wayne Bridge, former Chelsea defender: Chelsea win
I think Chelsea will win but it's going to be a really tight game. They know how to win finals, so they've definitely got a chance. It could be [Eden] Hazard's last game for the club and he will want to go out on a high.
Ashley Cole, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender: 50/50
First and foremost I hope it's a great final, two great teams – but I hope Chelsea win.
Mark Lawrenson, former Liverpool defender: Chelsea win
I am expecting it to be extremely open, when finals are usually tight. I think there will be a few goals. Who will win it? It is hard to say, because both teams are so inconsistent and both also have brilliant individuals who are capable of being match-winners. Chelsea's Eden Hazard is one of them ... and probably just tips the tie in the Blues' favour for me. BBC.co.uk
Lauren, former Arsenal defender: 50-50
I see it at 50%, either can win. I give Chelsea a chance because Hazard has been a symbol for that team and he wants to seal the title for Chelsea ... He can be decisive apart from other tactical factors. Arsenal are in a pretty good moment. Emery knows perfectly what this competition is, has won it three times and then there is the good form of [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette. I think they are the best in this competition, they understand each other perfectly and they can also be decisive in the final, so I say it is 50-50. Goal.com
Michael Owen, former Liverpool forward : Chelsea win
Maurizio Sarri must do without Antonio Rüdiger, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi in Azerbaijan, but they do have Hazard. I feel the brilliant Belgian will be the difference between the two sides in Baku.
Emmanuel Petit, former Arsenal midfielder: Chelsea win
If [Chelsea] win the Europa League, they'll have a European trophy, which alongside their earlier Champions League qualification, translates to a good year for Chelsea... the important thing is to win games and win trophies, and they’re in a good place to do that.
Charlie Nicholas, former Arsenal forward: Chelsea win
If Hazard turns up I think Chelsea will win, but Arsenal have snuffed him out before and can put more than one man on him.
Marcus Rashford, Manchester United forward: Chelsea win
I'm going to go Chelsea [to win Europa League]. It's just…Hazard. He can do anything at any moment.
Robin van Persie, former Arsenal forward: Arsenal win
Personally, I think Arsenal have the edge. They're a little bit better. But Chelsea have Eden Hazard and he is a very special player – at any time he can come up with something.
Fernando Torres, former Chelsea forward: 50-50
I'm really happy Chelsea have made it again; it can be a great season after all for them. We were in the same situation in 2013. Hopefully they can win another Europa League trophy; they have a great team to play against but obviously I will be supporting Chelsea, though I want the best for Petr Čech.
Ian Wright, former Arsenal and England forward: Arsenal win
You have to say there is an argument for both teams. Obviously I want Arsenal to win and I think Arsenal might just nick it simply because of the two guys up front. Mirror