Don Hutchinson predicts “Close tie” in the FA Cup final

Football expert and commentator Don Hutchinson is known to have a vast knowledge about the sport. His analysis and opinions hold a lot of weight. During an interaction with the media recently, the pundit presented his thoughts regarding the upcoming FA Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea. The fixture will take place on 14 May 2022 at the glorious Wembley Stadium.

The expert gave his opinions on the upcoming final and more.

Both teams will look to get their hands on the coveted trophy. While the Reds have already won the Carabao Cup (League Cup), the Blues will aim to finish the season with a trophy at the very least.

Talking about the upcoming fixture and the chances of both teams Hutchinson believes it is going to be a close tie. Here is what the former Liverpool player had to say about several important topics in the run-up to the game:

On Liverpool’s attack

Don Hutchinson, like most football experts, holds Liverpool’s attack in high regard. Talking of their attack, he said, “Liverpool has got one of the bests strike forces in Europe. Salah has been amazing for the last few years. Diaz has come in, has been a revelation. He looks sensational, a fantastic player and very aggressive. Firmino is trying to spend time on the pitch, Jota since signed has been in good form so it's good for Liverpool fans watching on.”

On Jurgen Klopp

Praising the German tactician, Hutchinson credited him with making Liverpool a major force. In this context, he said, “His success has been incredible. I remember when he came from Dortmund, very sensible and very smart. He said don’t judge me right, judge me in two-three years and he delivered. I think the Liverpool fans hold him in the same breath as Bill Shankly, they love him.”

Possible difference-maker in the final

The FA Cup final could be decided by individual brilliance. Prophesizing on who could make the difference in the final, Hutchinson said, “From Chelsea’s point-of-view, you would be looking at someone like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, and Timo Werner does a lot of unselfish work. I think Liverpool has so many, I expect the front three to be Diaz, Mane and Salah. Three of them are very different players.”

“Diaz is incredible in terms of aggression and the way he takes players on and Salah is the same who maybe looks a bit jaded. But in an FA Cup final, if you look at Mo Salah, he will produce. He turns up in big games. Liverpool’s in-form player is Sadio Mane, I think he is an incredible player.” he further added in this regard.

Looking back at the season

Liverpool has emerged as one of the strongest clubs in Europe. Talking about their 2021-22 campaign, Hutchinson said, “Steven Gerrard said it's the best Liverpool team in history. I would not disagree with him because the game gets faster, the players get stronger, it's a harder competition to win, the Premier League because of the competition and to be fighting on all fronts at this point in the season is just amazing. The Champions League with Real Madrid is mouth-watering. The Carabao Cup is already in the cabinet. Premier League is the tough one but in terms of the size of the Liverpool football club and how much it's growing around the world every single year, it's a gigantic club. Jurgen Klopp and his men have done an amazing job this season.”

Need for optimism at Chelsea FC

Chelsea went through a troublesome period after its former owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government. That led to a change in the ownership but in the meantime, Thomas Tuchel had to face a lot of heat from the media and the results on the pitch were negative too. Talking about the road ahead for the Blues, Don said, “The mood around Chelsea in the last couple of months has not been great.”

“The players on the pitch have found it difficult. One or two players like Antonio Rudiger if not already will sign for Real Madrid, Azpilicueta might move, and Christensen might be on the move as well. Jorginho might be on the move back to Serie A. But, the chance of a prize in the FA Cup final will be massive for them.” he added, emphasising the need to end on a high for the London-based club.

Watch The Emirates FA Cup Final - Liverpool vs. Chelsea LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 14th May 2022, at 9:15 pm IST.

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