This is being played in Baku (largest city in the world below sea level), which neither team is happy with, it is a LONG way from London and there have been hugely complicated travel arrangements for clubs and the (relatively) few supporters able to travel.

 

Overriding aspect of this game for me, is the prize on offer, that is not just the piece of silverware but the Champions League group stage place for next season, Chelsea have already clinched that spot, the Gunners can only play CL football next season by winning this, it is a huge priez and massive incentive.This is also a competition that Arsenal head coach Unai Emery loves and  is looking to win for the 4th time, qualifying for the CL league next season will make his job much easier and probably allow him far more freedom in the trasfer window. H2h wise both teams won the home leg this season, Arsenal in January 2-0 , losing the game at Stamford Bridge 3-2 but creating a host of golden scoring opportunities, something I discussed ahead of the match at the Emirates...........

 

I think Arsenal's build up has been better, they arrived in Azerbaijan which is three hours time difference from London at the weekend and trained in the Baku stadium on Sunday, Chelsea arrived in the early hours of Tuesday morning, I prefer the early arrival especially as the game is being played at 23:00 local time and that is a lot to get used to in a VERY short time for the Blues. I guess they have done their homework and there are two schools of thought about how to handle a time difference, three hours is not huge, but more than European teams are used to and the late kick off is a biggie IMO. The prize is bigger for them and they have been the better team for my money in the two h2h meetings.

 

 

 

Good Luck.