Former Germany captain midfielder Michael Ballack feels the fact that Arsenal have the motivation to try and salvage something from a disappointing season makes things a little tougher for his former club Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup final.
The ex-Blues and Bayern Munich midfielder was speaking at Off The Ball's Helix show alongside ex-Ireland internationals David O'Leary, Ronnie Whelan and Mark Lawrenson, gave his take on the match to come.
"Chelsea are slightly favourites but as you mention [Arsenal] are on a good run at the end of the season and it seems like they have found a spirit of actually being a team again because they went through a difficult time during the season, including Arsene, but this is one game," he said.
"One game, you can save a season because they couldn't reach the Top Four which is really a disappointment for them. But it seems like now the players are preparing well and they understand to save the season and that does not make it easier for Chelsea."
When even #AFC Legend David O'Leary agrees #Chelsea will win the #FACupFinal 👊... Predicting 2-1 for #CFC @ChelseaFC 🔵⚽ï¸ðŸ†@NatachaTannous pic.twitter.com/O3df5vHbwU
— Michael Ballack (@Ballack) May 26, 2017
Meanwhile, O'Leary who spent 20 years at Arsenal as a player, feels a lot of things are in Chelsea's favour.
"I'd have to say Chelsea are the superior side and we've got to play really well. But what's going to make it even harder is the defensive injuries. It's going to make it much, much tougher," he said.
"We've all played in cup finals and it's on the day and you never know what happens. It's on the day but Chelsea are a strong side."
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