Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has backed Arsenal to defend the FA Cup today but stressed Aston Villa will be hard nuts to crack.
The cup holders will face off against Tim Sherwood’s men later today in the FA Cup final at Wembley and are favourites to win it for the second season running.
Lawrenson also believes Arsenal have the quality to win the trophy again this season and has backed them to beat Villa but he also has some reservations about the Gunners.
The former Liverpool man feels Arsenal have been far from convincing in their last few appearances at Wembley and only narrowly defeated Championship dwellers Reading in the semi-final to make it to the final.
He added that though he expects Arsenal to win the FA Cup, he is not anticipating an easy ride for Wenger’s men against a spirited Aston Villa side today.
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“I am backing Arsenal to win on Saturday”, Lawrenson told the BBC,
“But I am a little bit reticent because the Gunners do forget to turn up at Wembley on occasions, especially when they are favourites.
“I remember them putting in a poor performance when they lost the 2011 League Cup final against Birmingham and they did not really get going in this year's FA Cup semi-final against Reading.
“In last season's final they got off to a terrible start against Hull before fighting back from 2-0 to win and I don't think they will find it easy against Aston Villa either.”
Arsenal have the opportunity to surpass Manchester United’s eleven triumphs and become the most successful side in the competition if they beat Villa to win the FA Cup today.
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