The 2018-2019 Europa League final takes place between Chelsea and Arsenal on May 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Not without controversy.
The distance and the scarcity of direct flights will mean less fans in the stadium. Also, Henrikh Mkhitaryan is an Armenian and it has been decided that he will stay home fearing for his safety in the neighbouring rival country.
The all English final has two teams that finished third and fifth in the English premiership. The winner will get a spot in the 2019-2020 Champions League so this may provide an extra incentive for Arsenal as their fifth place league position rewards them with only a Europa League spot next season.
It could be the last game in a Chelsea shirt for Eden Hazard as he is likely to make a big money move to Real Madrid or elsewhere. Maurizio Sarri, the Chelsea manager, could be on his way back to Italy after the game.
On the other side Aaron Ramsey was to play his final Arsenal game, as he has signed to play for Juventus, but he is out injured. Petr Cech will retire after this this game. In other injury news N’Golo Kante is likely going to miss this game, as will Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding, Antonio Rudiger, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.