The English FA Challenge Cup – often referred to simply as the FA Cup – is the world’s oldest domestic cup competition, first being played in 1871. Over the years the trophy has been lifted by both the greats and the underdogs. It’s a tournament that starts at the ground level of the English non-league and culminates in just two walking out of the Wembley tunnel.
Here is your guide to domestic football’s most prestigious trophy.
The fixture Saturday, May 30. Kick off 8.30pm UAE time
The venue Wembley Stadium, north west London
The teams Arsenal vs Aston Villa
The kits Arsenal will have the right to wear their home strip (red shirts and white shorts) while Aston Villa will play in their away kit (white shirts with claret shorts).
Referee Jonathan Moss (West Yorkshire); Assistant referees Darren England (South Yorkshire) & Simon Bennett (Staffordshire); Fourth official Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)
The format Standard 90 minute match comprising two halves of 45 minutes (excluding injury time). If the score remains level after 90 minutes, an additional 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the score remains level still, the match will go to a penalty shoot-out. Best of five penalties, with sudden death thereafter if the score remains level.
The TV schedule BeIN Sports. Coverage begins at 7.30pm UAE time
Watch 10 of the best FA Cup finals here.
The best places to watch
Dubai The Underground Pub, Habtoor Grand, JBR (04 399 5000), The Locker Room, Golden Tulip, Al Barsha (04 501 6168), Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi (04 318 1313), Crown and Lion, Byblos, Tecom (04 448 8000), McGettigans (JLT 04 356 0000, DWTC 04 378 0800), Harvesters, Crowne Plaza Trade Centre (04 331 1111), Fibber Magees, Trade Centre (04 332 2400), The Huddle Sports Bar, Mankool (04 407 800) Abu Dhabi NRG, Le Meridien (02 644 6666), Heroes, Crowne Plaza (02 616 6166), Third Avenue, Sheraton Khalidiyah (02 666 6220), Coopers, Park Rotana (02 657 3333) Al Ain Horse and Jockey, Danat Hotel (03 704 6000), Pacos, Hilton (03 768 6666)
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Arsenal’s FA Cup history
Arsenal have won the FA Cup a joint record 11 times, the most recent being last year. As the holders – having beaten Hull City 3-2 after extra time last year - the Gunners will be pleased to know that retaining the trophy is something they have done before. They achieved it 2002 and 2003. The last team to win two consecutive FA Cups was Chelsea in 2009 and 2010.
FA Cup winners 1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014
FA Cup runners up 1927, 1932, 1952, 1972, 1978, 1980, 2001
Trivia Arsenal have made more FA Cup final appearances than anyone else, with 19 (including 2015).
Aston Villa’s FA Cup history
Aston Villa have been called the underdogs for this cup final. It’s a harsh title which has been based solely on the last couple of league seasons. The club actually has a very successful FA Cup pedigree, having won the trophy seven times, which puts them in joint third place with Liverpool and Chelsea – ok, the last time was 1957, and Queen Elizabeth II was only 31 at the time… Their last final appearance was in 2000, when they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. This is their 12th appearance in the final.
FA Cup winners 1887, 1895, 1897, 1889, 1904, 1913, 1920, 1957
FA Cup runners up 1892, 1924, 2000
Trivia Aston Villa’s FA Cup winning period spanned the reign of six British monarchs: Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King Edward VIII, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II.
The road to Wembley
Arsenal
| Round | Opposition | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Hull City (h) | 2–0 |
| 4th | Brighton & Hove Albion (a) | 2–3 |
| 5th | Middlesbrough (h) | 2–0 |
| QF | Manchester United (a) | 1–2 |
| SF | Reading (n) | 1–2 (aet) |
Aston Villa
| Round | Opposition | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Blackpool (h) | 1–0 |
| 4th | AFC Bournemouth (h) | 2–1 |
| 5th | Leicester City (h) | 2–1 |
| QF | West Bromwich Albion (h) | 2–0 |
| SF | Liverpool (n) | 2–1 |
Head to head All competitions counted
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | For | Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 173 | 73 | 39 | 61 | 277 | 248 |
| Aston Villa | 173 | 61 | 39 | 73 | 248 | 277 |
The FA Cup all-time records
Most wins
Arsenal x11 - 1930, 1936, 1950, 1971, 1979, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014
Manchester United x11 - 1909, 1948, 1963, 1977, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
Most consecutive wins Wanderers x3 – 1876, 1877, 1878; Blackburn Rovers x3 – 1884, 1885, 1886
Most final appearances Arsenal x19 - 1927, 1930, 1932, 1936, 1950, 1952, 1971, 1972, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1993, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2014, 2015
Biggest final win Bury 6 – 0 Derby County – 1903
Highest scoring final Blackburn Rovers 6 – 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1890; Blackpool 4 – 3 Bolton Wanderers 1953
Most defeats Everton x8 - 1893, 1897, 1907, 1968, 1985, 1986, 1989, 2009
Top final scorer Ian Rush, Liverpool – 5 goals
