Saturday 30 May 2015 18:41, UK
Paul Merson thinks it would be "harsh" if Arsenal dropped Olivier Giroud for the FA Cup final and replaced him with Theo Walcott.
Walcott made just four Premier League starts during the 2014/15 season, but netted a timely hat-trick on the final day against West Brom.
Giroud, however, has not scored in his last eight appearances and there have been calls to start Walcott against Aston Villa at Wembley.
But Merson told Sky Sports: "I think Wenger will go with Giroud up front - he's been their centre forward all season so dropping him for Walcott through the middle would be very harsh.
"Walcott's certainly played himself into contention elsewhere though, but who do you leave out? I’d be surprised if he left (Mesut) Ozil out and Alexis Sanchez has got to play.
"So I see Walcott as more of an impact player on the day.
"Giroud's problem is that Arsenal don’t cross the ball enough. I feel a bit sorry for him sometimes - he thrives on quality balls into the box and he doesn't get them often enough."
Whether it is Giroud or Walcott who gets the nod, Arsenal will still be strong favourites to retain the FA Cup.
Villa are appearing in their first FA Cup final since 2000 and ended the season with back-to-back defeats, including a 6-1 hammering at Southampton.
"Three weeks ago I'd have said Villa have every chance, but I just think that Southampton game has frightened them again - they went on to lose tamely to Burnley in their last game," said Merson.
"Southampton are a good side but they're not in the same class as Arsenal. Each and every one of Villa’s players have to play very well if they want to win.
"But the longer the game lasts 0-0, the better chance Villa have got. How many times have we watched Arsenal when they’re flying, playing well, then all of a sudden the other team are through one-on-one against the goalkeeper?
"Villa have to keep tight and hope they frustrate Arsenal, but at the same time they can’t sit back completely, because Arsenal will make too many chances."
How many times have we watched Arsenal when they’re flying...then all of a sudden the other team are through one-on-one against the goalkeeper?
Christian Benteke is expected to be Villa's biggest goal threat, but Merson also believes Jack Grealish could cause the Gunners problems.
"I like Grealish, I’ve been wanting to see more of him for a long time now and he was great against Liverpool in the semis," he added.
"Saying that, the final is a bigger occasion than the semi-final - much bigger - it’s a completely different day, a completely different pressure and ultimately a completely different game.
"There’s also that whole build-up throughout the week and Jack’s performance could depend on how he copes with all that."
PAUL PREDICTS: Arsenal 2-1 Aston Villa, Ramsey to score first.
