Arsenal vs Chelsea: The key battles in the Europa League final including Eden Hazard, Petr Cech and Mesut Ozil
The first of the two all-English European finals takes place on Wednesday night between Arsenal and Chelsea.The two Premier League clubs face each other for the Europa League in Baku, with commentary
live on talkSPORT.For Arsenal it is a chance to claim that all important Champions League place while Maurizio Sarri is looking to end a turbulent season with his first every trophy as a manager.
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5Petr Cech is likely to feature in his last professional game in the Europa League finalAhead of the 8pm kick-off there is still plenty we do not know.Unai Emery did not confirm if Petr Cech will start the match in his final professional game while NGolo Kante was only 50/50 to play.Here at talkSPORT.com we have taken a look at the key battles we can look forward to in the match.
Olivier Giroud vs Petr CechBoth players will be playing against their former club, Cech for Arsenal and Giroud for Chelsea.The Gunners goalkeeper is likely to start in what will be his final game in professional football before retirement.He will have to stop Olivier Giroud if he wants to end his glittering career with a final piece of silverware.Giroud has scored 10 goals on Chelseas route to the final and has been a key part of their success.
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5Olivier Giroud recently signed a one-year contract extension at ChelseaThe France international will also want to put down a marker to be considered as their number one striker next season following his one-year contract extension.With the Blues impending transfer ban, Eden Hazards possible departure and Gonzalo Higuains loan ending, the burden will fall to the 32-year-old to provide the goals.
Eden Hazard vs Ainsley Maitland-NilesThis could be Hazards final game in a Chelsea shirt as all things point to a transfer to Real Madrid in the summer.The forward can add a sixth trophy during his time at Stamford Bridge and also hit 20 goals in a season for the first time if he nets in Baku.Maitland-Niles, 21, has a tough task on his hands in keeping Hazard at bay during the game.
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5Eden Hazard could join Real Madrid this summerThe full-back has established himself as a regular under Emery with Hector Bellerin still out injured.It will be a test for the youngster and one that will show if he is worth his place next season with reports suggest the Gunners are looking at signing a full-back in the summer.
Jorginho vs Mesut OzilFormer Napoli man Jorginho has been in good form for Chelsea as they hit form towards the end of the season.The deep-lying midfielder is an important cog in Maurizio Sarris side and will be tasked with stopping Ozil from playing and also starting Chelsea attacks.
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5Mesut Ozil needs to be a key figure if Arsenal are to win the Europa LeagueOzil is not known for his defensive capabilities but may need to help out his side to stop Jorginho playing his natural game.This could be the key battle to decide where the trophy will end up.
Aubameyang and Lacazette vs Chelsea defencePierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have formed a formidable partnership at Arsenal this season.The pair have combined for an amazing 50 goals in all competitions while they have been directly involved in 17 goals during the Europa League.Chelsea centre-backs David Luiz and Andreas Christensen have a tough task on their hands keeping them quiet in the final.
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5Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have too much for ChelseaThe Blues defence is already thin with Antonio Rudiger missing the last few games of the season.They have only conceded three goals in their last five games, though, and it will be an intriguing battle at the Olympic Stadium in Baku.
You can hear the Europa League final LIVE from Baku on talkSPORT from 8pm
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