The FA Cup Final

The FA Cup journey began on the 16 August with 370 clubs entering at this stage, and now with only 2 clubs remaining, a pulsating affair lies waiting for us on Saturday afternoon. Arsenal aim to halt their trophy drought just 4 days before the term reaches 9 years, while Hull aim to upset the odds and win the trophy for the first time in their history.

It will be 8 years and 361 days on Saturday since Arsene Wenger and his Gunners last tasted success in a major competition, and since then, it has been a bumpy ride for the Reds from North London. With less than 48 hours until the final, I'm sure nerves are jangling in the Arsenal camp as they know that a win is imperative, to keep their status as a top club alive.

This is a must win game for Arsenal, and one which could change the fortunes of the club. A win could spark a revival of the Gunners back to their dominance over the domestic league during the era of Bergkamp, Henry, Parlour and Viera. On the other hand, a loss could see Wenger's dynasty crumble before his eyes and it may be his last ever game managing Arsenal. I believe that a loss could see an end to Wenger's reign over Arsenal, even considering the former glories he has brought the club.

Hull go into the match as firm underdogs, particularly as they have only won 1 of the last 6 matches against Arsenal, the last one being back in September 2008. The Gooners have taken maximum points off Hull in the Premier League this season, scoring 5 goals in the process and conceding none. History seems to be on the side of Arsenal.

The Tigers have had a dismal season, in which they finished just 4 points above the drop zone. Having lost 7 out of the last 10 games games, form is definitely not on the Tigers' side and Steve Bruce will have his work cut out if he is to mastermind another shock in the FA Cup. However it can be argued that Bruce was resting his key players such as Jelavic and Huddlestone in the build up to the final. Players such as Nikica Jelavic, Shane Long and Tom Huddlestone will be pivotal in the deciding of the outcome of the match.

I am under no doubt that Arsenal will have flashbacks of the Capital One Cup final in 2011, when Birmingham substitute Obafemi Martins scored a winner in the last minute, and this could benefit Hull. If the Tigers could nick an early goal, then it will pile the pressure onto Arsenal. At the same time, if the score is level going into the last 15 minutes, then the players who were apart of that Final in 2011, may become anxious, and therefore sloppy. 

The onus is down to Arsene Wenger to use his experience of high pressure situations to reflect onto the players. It's definitely make or break for Wenger and Bruce will be doing his utmost to spoil the Gunners' party.