Don't think Mustafi will make it...still dizzy everytime he runs...plus it was the Arsenal doctor that wrote the FA concussion guidelines...Gibbs is a major doubt too as he hasn't trained all week with a thigh problem...think they'll go 3 at the back to protect the German oil tanker from having to turn...Cesc hopefully will play to find the spaces between their back lines for Hazard and Willian to run into... 

Edited May 25, 20179 yr by doctorblue

I do think it's a case of we play to our best we win but I know what we can be like. Not taking anything for granted.

3 hours ago, Davidleesrightpeg said:

Gooners at my work are proper sh*tting it! big & brave when I chat with them but overheard a couple mention that Hazard could Pull Mertesackers hamstrings by just looking at him in the warm up!

that is a funny one right there - props for the wit

I think it's wise not to get too carried away. It will probably be a close affair, but wouldn't it be funny if we were 4-0 up by half time. 

I expect us to win, but then again you never know with Arsenal.. They seem to do well in cup games, especially the FA cup.

Obviously, the offensive portion of the job is going to be what we notice the most, because the Gunners will be doing plenty of counter-attacking, but the other part of the job is negating Eden Hazard, who is, in my humble opinion, the most overrated player in England (other than Paul Pogba).

 

I have no idea what world this gunner fan lives in. I guess hazard has to dribble the whole team nexttime and score to get this retards respect.. I was kinda worried about arsenal bcoz they will match our formation and can actually pass the ball so it will be hard to press them but after going through gunner website. I want us to totally destroy this lot.  

 

Batshuayi to score a hat trick. u heard it here first

Its certainly not best to get carried away. From experience in the Premier League, whenever one team is tipped to smash/beat the other by every media outlet and fan, the opposite happens. The only example I can remember is United vs Chelsea, but I'm sure it's happened on several other occasions this season.

This could well be Wenger's last match not sure if that adds anything to the likely outcome of the game.

 

 

James Olley?Verified account @JamesOlley

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At Wembley to film an FA Cup Final preview for the Standard. These flags will be given to supporters on Saturday:

 

WTF . Why would anyone want a half/half flag?  f**king half/half scarves are bad but this just plain crazy. Football is based on rivalry. What next half/half shirts. Chels wear Blue and L'arse wear red long may it last.

Edited May 26, 20179 yr by charierre

It will be a tough game I would think with Arses so far playing for nought this season, they would be quite desperate with this one final chance. 

I'm hoping our confidence will get us through, leaving the Arses with nought!

9 minutes ago, charierre said:

James Olley?Verified account @JamesOlley

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At Wembley to film an FA Cup Final preview for the Standard. These flags will be given to supporters on Saturday:

 

WTF . Why would anyone want a half/half flag?  f**king half/half scarves are bad but this just plain crazy. Football is based on rivalry. What next half/half shirts. Chels wear Blue and L'arse wear red long may it last.

The only people I think would want them is neutral fans who want a momento. 

Conte is hungry for titles, same as us. I expect a strong performance from us, hopefully, we will celebrate after the game as well.

This game is going to mean a lot for Arsenal, they will try to come at their best, I expect to see the same from us.

I'd like to see this starting lineup:

--------------------------- Courtois --------------------------

----- Azpilicueta ----- David Luiz --------- Cahill -------

Moses --------- Fabregas ----- Kante ------ Marcos Alonso

-------------- Pedro ------ Batshuayi ------ Hazard ----------

 

COME ON CHELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

8 minutes ago, Bobbywoodhogan said:

The only people I think would want them is neutral fans who want a momento. 

Who shouldn't be there! But that's another argument and one of my pet hates about football finals in general.

17 minutes ago, charierre said:

Who shouldn't be there! But that's another argument and one of my pet hates about football finals in general.

Well I don't know if you can say they shouldn't be there. After all they're still fans of the sport.

Just now, Bobbywoodhogan said:

Well I don't know if you can say they shouldn't be there. After all they're still fans of the sport.

Let them watch on tv and give a far larger allocation to the fans who pay week in week out. As it is around half the crowd will not have been to see either team play on a regular basis, instead a lot of tickets fall into the hands of tourists and corporates. Many of our fans will be forced to pay over-inflated prices on the black market or through agencies. Reduce these to around 20% and the balance would be better.

8 minutes ago, charierre said:

Let them watch on tv and give a far larger allocation to the fans who pay week in week out. As it is around half the crowd will not have been to see either team play on a regular basis, instead a lot of tickets fall into the hands of tourists and corporates. Many of our fans will be forced to pay over-inflated prices on the black market or through agencies. Reduce these to around 20% and the balance would be better.

I agree way more should go to the clubs. 

I know we're favourites for the FA Cup but there seems to be more articles and talk about Arsenal winning it. I get there's probably more of a story there for some media outlets given Arsenal's season woes but I'm not seeing anything about us completing a potential double.

I don't care who plays and what formation we use as long as we smash them. Come on you blue boys.

Plan for tomorrow:

Start the day with a glass of single malt whisky, probably a Talisker. I always start a big match day with a single malt whisky. Then to the local cafe for a large breakfast. Travel to a pub near Tower Hill to meet up with the others I go to the games with. A couple of beers there and then to a club near Wembley for a few more beers. See us beat Arsenal ( I fancy us to win 3-1) and then back to the pub for a few more beers. One thing I must not do is forget the tickets otherwise I'll be in big trouble.

Sunday: stagger out of bed and go for a swim. That should wake me up. In the evening, crack open a bottle of Courage Imperial Stout (10%) I also have to visit one of my sisters. Her husband is an Arsenal fan so hopefully I'll be able to give him some stick. 

 

Not sure if already posted. Lists the pubs which are for Chelsea fans:

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/05/please-arrive-in-good-time-at-wembley-.html

Important information on security procedures, the Chelsea Fanzone and designated pubs in the Wembley area…

 

Wembley Stadium has stressed the safety of fans at Saturday’s FA Cup final is of paramount importance and robust security measures will be in place.

All supporters attending are advised to arrive as early as possible to avoid delays in entering the stadium and to support commemorations of the tragic events in Manchester this week.

Wembley assures fans that all appropriate security measures are in place which include thorough searches upon entry to the stadium. It is strongly advised all supporters arrive at the stadium no later than one hour prior to the 5.30pm kick-off in order to be inside for the start of the match. Spectators are encouraged not to bring any bags or unnecessary items with them.

The FA plans to appropriately remember Monday’s Manchester attack with:

•            A period of silence observed prior to kick-off

•            Commemorative wreaths laid by the President of the Football Association, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and the Football Association Chairman, Greg Clarke

•            Chelsea and Arsenal players as well as the match officials wearing black armbands

 

The Official Chelsea Fanzone

This is located at the west side of the stadium – the area is called Events Pad – and is open from midday on Saturday.

The Fanzone includes:

•            Full DJ from Chelsea fan and former JLS star Marvin Humes (from 2.30pm)

•            Chelsea Brass Band (from 12.30pm)

•            Stamford and Bridget will be located here pre-match

•            Big screen showing this season’s highlights and FA Cup moments

•            Free digital face paint photo opportunity

•            Container bar and additional pop-up bars (open until 4.15pm)

•            Pop-up street food units

•            Large seated area

•            Our recognisable Games Makers will be on hand to help too.

 Click to download the below Fanzone map and other spectator information

 

Chelsea Football Club anticipates and welcomes a good and passionate atmosphere when we play this London derby FA Cup final and we ask for the support to remain respectful.

If you witness anti-social behaviour during the match, report it to a police officer or steward, or use Wembley Stadium’s text service. Wembley encourages the reporting of any anti-social behaviour by texting 87474 and by typing in the relevant keyword which identifies the anti-social behaviour viewed:

FOUL – Bad language and bad behaviour

RACISM – Racist chant and shouting

HPH – Homophobic chanting

DRINK – Drinking in view of the pitch

SMOKE – Smoking within the stadium

STAND – Standing within the seating bowl

PYROS – Pyrotechnics

Within your message please identify the location in which the bad behaviour is taking place (BLOCK, ROW, SEAT) in order for the safety officials to view the incident via the extensive cameras around the stadium. A team may also attend.

You can also contact Kick It Out on 0800 169 9414 or via their smartphone app.

Any supporters who are drunk are likely to be refused entry into the stadium.

The Wembley safety officer advises supporters that flags must not exceed 2.5 metres and must not cause obstruction or annoyance to other fans. They must meet the required fire safety standards and fans should have the appropriate certificates with them should they be required.

Wembley is an all-seater stadium and persistent standing could lead to ejection. This is a requirement under the safety regulations.

If there is anything supporters consider suspicious then please report it to either police or stewards. There is never a bad call and if something is highlighted in good faith then you will never be criticised.

Supporters must not bring flares and smoke devices to Wembley or the surrounding areas. Supporters found in possession of flares/smoke devices will be arrested and banning orders will be applied for.

There are likely to be ticket touts in operation around the area of the stadium. Please do not buy tickets from these people as it is very likely they will be forgeries. Wembley Stadium will not facilitate any supporters who have bought tickets from touts and subsequently find they are fakes. Supporters should report any tout activity to police who will deal with it accordingly.
 

Chelsea have been allocated the west end of the stadium. For those wanting a pub nearby, the following are recommended to Chelsea supporters.

The Green Man
Dagmar Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8DF

Blue Room
53 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, HA9 8BE

The Arch (Greyhound)
324 Harrow Road, Wembley, Middx, HA9 8LL

Station 31
299-301 Harrow Road, Wembley

JJ Moons
397 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7DT

Thirsty Eddie's
412 High Road, Wembley

Flannery's
610 High Road, Wembley

Fusilier
652 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA0 2HA

Masti
576-582 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AA

The Comer House (Mannions)
313 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6BA

Copper Jug
10 The Broadway, Preston Road, Harrow

The Liquor Station (Old Bear)
397a High Road, Wembley, HA9 7AA

 

Enjoy the game and we thank you for your support, cooperation and understanding.

1 hour ago, charierre said:

Let them watch on tv and give a far larger allocation to the fans who pay week in week out. As it is around half the crowd will not have been to see either team play on a regular basis, instead a lot of tickets fall into the hands of tourists and corporates. Many of our fans will be forced to pay over-inflated prices on the black market or through agencies. Reduce these to around 20% and the balance would be better.

How many 'neutral' tickets are sold at Wembley these days?

35 minutes ago, Boyne said:

Not sure if already posted. Lists the pubs which are for Chelsea fans:

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/05/please-arrive-in-good-time-at-wembley-.html

Important information on security procedures, the Chelsea Fanzone and designated pubs in the Wembley area…

 

Wembley Stadium has stressed the safety of fans at Saturday’s FA Cup final is of paramount importance and robust security measures will be in place.

All supporters attending are advised to arrive as early as possible to avoid delays in entering the stadium and to support commemorations of the tragic events in Manchester this week.

Wembley assures fans that all appropriate security measures are in place which include thorough searches upon entry to the stadium. It is strongly advised all supporters arrive at the stadium no later than one hour prior to the 5.30pm kick-off in order to be inside for the start of the match. Spectators are encouraged not to bring any bags or unnecessary items with them.

The FA plans to appropriately remember Monday’s Manchester attack with:

•            A period of silence observed prior to kick-off

•            Commemorative wreaths laid by the President of the Football Association, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and the Football Association Chairman, Greg Clarke

•            Chelsea and Arsenal players as well as the match officials wearing black armbands

 

The Official Chelsea Fanzone

This is located at the west side of the stadium – the area is called Events Pad – and is open from midday on Saturday.

The Fanzone includes:

•            Full DJ from Chelsea fan and former JLS star Marvin Humes (from 2.30pm)

•            Chelsea Brass Band (from 12.30pm)

•            Stamford and Bridget will be located here pre-match

•            Big screen showing this season’s highlights and FA Cup moments

•            Free digital face paint photo opportunity

•            Container bar and additional pop-up bars (open until 4.15pm)

•            Pop-up street food units

•            Large seated area

•            Our recognisable Games Makers will be on hand to help too.

 Click to download the below Fanzone map and other spectator information

 

Chelsea Football Club anticipates and welcomes a good and passionate atmosphere when we play this London derby FA Cup final and we ask for the support to remain respectful.

If you witness anti-social behaviour during the match, report it to a police officer or steward, or use Wembley Stadium’s text service. Wembley encourages the reporting of any anti-social behaviour by texting 87474 and by typing in the relevant keyword which identifies the anti-social behaviour viewed:

FOUL – Bad language and bad behaviour

RACISM – Racist chant and shouting

HPH – Homophobic chanting

DRINK – Drinking in view of the pitch

SMOKE – Smoking within the stadium

STAND – Standing within the seating bowl

PYROS – Pyrotechnics

Within your message please identify the location in which the bad behaviour is taking place (BLOCK, ROW, SEAT) in order for the safety officials to view the incident via the extensive cameras around the stadium. A team may also attend.

You can also contact Kick It Out on 0800 169 9414 or via their smartphone app.

Any supporters who are drunk are likely to be refused entry into the stadium.

The Wembley safety officer advises supporters that flags must not exceed 2.5 metres and must not cause obstruction or annoyance to other fans. They must meet the required fire safety standards and fans should have the appropriate certificates with them should they be required.

Wembley is an all-seater stadium and persistent standing could lead to ejection. This is a requirement under the safety regulations.

If there is anything supporters consider suspicious then please report it to either police or stewards. There is never a bad call and if something is highlighted in good faith then you will never be criticised.

Supporters must not bring flares and smoke devices to Wembley or the surrounding areas. Supporters found in possession of flares/smoke devices will be arrested and banning orders will be applied for.

There are likely to be ticket touts in operation around the area of the stadium. Please do not buy tickets from these people as it is very likely they will be forgeries. Wembley Stadium will not facilitate any supporters who have bought tickets from touts and subsequently find they are fakes. Supporters should report any tout activity to police who will deal with it accordingly.
 

Chelsea have been allocated the west end of the stadium. For those wanting a pub nearby, the following are recommended to Chelsea supporters.

The Green Man
Dagmar Avenue, Wembley, HA9 8DF

Blue Room
53 Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, HA9 8BE

The Arch (Greyhound)
324 Harrow Road, Wembley, Middx, HA9 8LL

Station 31
299-301 Harrow Road, Wembley

JJ Moons
397 High Road, Wembley, HA9 7DT

Thirsty Eddie's
412 High Road, Wembley

Flannery's
610 High Road, Wembley

Fusilier
652 Harrow Road, Wembley, HA0 2HA

Masti
576-582 High Road, Wembley, HA0 2AA

The Comer House (Mannions)
313 Harrow Road, Wembley HA9 6BA

Copper Jug
10 The Broadway, Preston Road, Harrow

The Liquor Station (Old Bear)
397a High Road, Wembley, HA9 7AA

 

Enjoy the game and we thank you for your support, cooperation and understanding.

Does anybody know what the fan zone was like for the semi? E.g expensive beer and long queues?

I don't know why but this image made me laugh 

1 hour ago, SydneyChelsea said:

How many 'neutral' tickets are sold at Wembley these days?

The two teams competing get 28k a piece which is a slight improvement on what it used to be. Though to my mind should be 35k min per team. Just something I've always felt strongly about and still do even though I no longer attend matches.

Slightly off subject but there is an article on the club website about our seven FA Cup wins (so far!) and asks what is your favourite. Here's the link:

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2017/05/seventh-heaven--choose-your-best-cup-triumph.html

I can't choose between the 1970 and 1997 wins. The first because it's the first trophy I remember Chelsea winning and the second because it was a great day out at Wembley. Seeing us win a trophy after so many years.