runners-up for the past three seasons and last year's losing FA Cup finalists.

The Gunners looked ominous in their 2-0 destruction of Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Monday, when Dennis Bergkamp created superb goals for Freddie Ljungberg (above) and Sylvain Wiltord. Arsenal seemed lucky to reach the final thanks to an own goal by Middlesbrough's Gianluca Festa but they banged three goals past Newcastle in the sixth round, five past Gillingham in the fifth and eliminated Liverpool, 1-0, in the fourth after their 4-2 defeat of Watford in the opening stage.

Chelsea, winners in 2000, have the chance to make up for an inconsistent season. Fifth in the league, the Blues can look forward to the return of striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink alongside Eidur Gudjohnsen up front. Chelsea reached the final by defeating Fulham in the semi-finals and thumping Tottenham, Preston, West Ham and Norwich in previous rounds.

In their previous meetings this season, the two London teams drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on September 8 and Arsenal won, 2-1, at Highbury on Boxing Day. Expect fast and furious entertainment, a fitting prelude to the World Cup.