David Luiz insists his Chelsea side will need to be at their very best to beat Arsenal in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
The Blues head to Wembley eyeing the double after finishing the Premier League campaign seven points clear of Tottenham and another victory would mark a fitting end to a fine first season in England for boss Antonio Conte.
Luiz has been at the heart of his team’s defence since returning from a two-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain, often starting attacks from his role as the central man in a back three.
It was September’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal that arguably persuaded Conte to change to his preferred 3-4-3 formation and his methods have clearly paid dividends.
A victory on Saturday would see the Italian emulate compatriot Carlo Ancelotti by winning the domestic double in his first season and his side are the 1.80 favourites to win the game in 90 minutes, with the draw 3.75 and Arsenal 4.50.
It has been another mixed campaign for Arsene Wenger’s men, who could only manage to finish fifth in the league.
But Luiz is not taking anything for granted, insisting Chelsea are in for a tough game against the Gunners.
“We have to concentrate to train hard every day to be in the best shape to play this final,” he said.
“I think when you play for a big club you need to have this kind of ambition to play to win every competition so we know we’ll play against a fantastic team, fantastic players in good shape.
“They have fantastic players and an amazing coach so we need to be in our high level to win this final.”
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