LONDON: Fans attending the FA Cup Final between London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley will not see military personnel on security duty around the stadium.
However extra police will be deployed, including armed officers, and have asked fans to arrive early because of intensified searches after the bombing in Manchester on Monday night. The final kicks off at 5.30pm.
Chelsea, newly crowned as Premier champions, are favourites to clinch the double to reward manager Antonio Conte’s first season in charge. The only uncertainty about their line-up concerns whether ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will start rather than Nemanja Matic.
“No matter what happens or what is facing me, I am going to go for it. I owe this to this team and club.”
Wenger said: “Per has the leadership qualities so depends a little bit on the system I will go for, the system I will choose. We have been hit hard in a position where we will need to be strong on Saturday.”
Injury to Petr Cech means David Ospina will continue as Arsenal’s ‘cup keeper.’