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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Ian Wright makes Chelsea vs Arsenal Europa League final prediction

Ian Wright fears Real Madrid-bound Eden Hazard will go out in a blaze of glory in Chelsea's Europa League final against Arsenal.

But added the attacking prowess of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be the difference for his former team against their London rivals.

The Gunners take on Maurizio Sarri's Blues in Baku on Wednesday night knowing victory will secure them Champions League football next season.

Arsenal thumped Valencia 7-3 over two legs in the semi finals of the Europa League while Chelsea scrapped through on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt.

There is no clear favourite for the trophy in Azerbaijan, and Wright has made a case for both teams.

Ian Wright believes Arsenal might just edge it against Chelsea in the Europa League final (X01095)

Hazard is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer to finally sign for Real Madrid and Arsenal favourite Wright believes this could spur the Belgian on to have the game of his life for the Blues.

But the Gunners have looked better away from home in recent weeks, and with Golden Boot winner Aubameyang and Lacazette firing on all cylinders, Chelsea - who are without N'Golo Kante - may come off second best.

Wright told Mirror Sport: "Arsenal's away form has not been great this season, but the last couple of games it has sort of kicked in.

The Europa League final could be Eden Hazard's final game for Chelsea (Action Images via Reuters)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are in goal-scoring form (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"I wouldn't say Valencia were an amazing team but I thought Arsenal dealt with them ruthlessly and I think that Chelsea have the kind of defence that if you can get at them you can cause problems. Especially Lacazette and Aubameyang.

"But at the same time, Arsenal's defence has been a weakness this season and when you have someone like Hazard, who is going to be marauding in there, Arsenal haven't got that naturally defence-minded midfielder who can pick him up in there,like someone like Kante could, so Hazard could be a problem.

"And when you look at him [Hazard] in what could be his last game for Chelsea he's going to want to go out in a blaze of glory and win something so you have to say there is an argument for both teams.

Wright was speaking on behalf of EA SPORTS (EA Sports)
Wright announced his EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Ultimate Team Featured Squad Battle (EA Sports)

"Obviously I want Arsenal to win and I think Arsenal might just nick it simply because of the two guys up front."

* Ian Wright was speaking after announcing his EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Ultimate Team Featured Squad Battle, which is available to play now for a limited time.

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