Chelsea go head-to-head with Manchester United in the 2018 FA Cup final on May 19 and both sides will be eager to crown their seasons by securing the famous trophy.
This year’s final will be a repeat of the 2007 showpiece when Chelsea, managed by Jose Mourinho, beat United 1-0 after extra-time.
The Blues progressed to the final with a comfortable 2-0 success over Southampton, while United’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur condemned the London club to their eighth successive defeat in the last four of the competition.
Chelsea were favourites against Arsenal in last season’s final after being crowned Premier League champions, but failed to complete the double as the Gunners sealed a 2-1 success.
Chelsea required a replay to see off Norwich City in the third round, but they beat Newcastle United, Hull City and Leicester City at the first time of asking to reach the last four.
A superb goal by Olivier Giroud and a header by substitute Alvaro Morata helped Chelsea overcome Saints in the semi-final.
The Red Devils cruised into the semi-finals, defeating Derby County, Yeovil Town, Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion without conceding a goal.
Goals by Alexis Sanchez and Andre Herrara helped United recover from 1-0 down to see off Spurs to reach their 29th major domestic cup final – more than any other side in English football.
The Blues are chasing an eighth FA Cup success, with their most recent triumph coming in 2011/12 when they defeated Liverpool 2-1.
United needed extra-time to beat Crystal Palace in the 2016 final, but that experience clearly benefited them as they went on to win two major trophies last season by claiming the EFL Cup and the Europa League.
Chelsea will take confidence from their recent record against United, having won nine and drawn three of their last 14 meetings in all competitions.
However, United’s two victories have come in their last three matches against the Blues and Mourinho will believe he can add another win at Wembley.
The game is likely to be Antonio Conte’s last in charge of Chelsea after what has been a disappointing season overall for the club.
Winning the FA Cup would be the perfect way for Conte to end his time at Stamford Bridge, but United are fancied to dash his hopes of leaving on a high and secure their 13th success in the competition.
