My Thoughts
This match looks intriguing on a number of different levels: Manager of the Year v Manager of the 2nd half of the season, the best Everton side for many years with an opportunity to win a trophy, Chelsea seeking to avoid ending the season trophyless.
Let's get into those statistics. FA Cup Finals over the last 15 years have produced a total of 30 goals, an average of 2 per game- 11 of the last 15 finals have featured under 2.5 goals. Given that the two league meetings between the two sides this season both ended 0-0, a low-scoring match is a distinct possibility. In the last 15 years, Chelsea have appeared in 5 finals, winning the trophy in 1997, 2000 and 2007, despite scoring just 4 goals in those 5 final appearances. Everton's last final appearance saw them win the cup in 1995, winning 1-0.
The Verdict
All the statistics point towards a low-scoring game- Chelsea conceded just 24 league goals this season, and Tim Howard in goals for Everton equalled a club record for clean sheets. Neither side will lack motivation- Guus Hiddink will want something tangible in the form of a trophy from his work at Chelsea, and David Moyes at Everton will no doubt feel the exact same way.
However, this writer expects Chelsea, and their big-game players, to show up and edge this one. Just
The Bet
1-0 Chelsea will more than likely be a popular scoreline in various bookmakers outlets on Saturday morning, and can be backed at a best price of 6/1 with Betfred
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