Conte claims wounded Arsenal are FA Cup favourites
REUTERS - Arsenal are favourites to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final as they will be motivated to end their season on a high after failing to qualify for the Champions League, the Premier League champions' manager Antonio Conte said.
Chelsea began their title celebrations after beating relegated Sunderland 5-1 on Sunday and can win the domestic double by beating Arsenal, who fell short of a top four finish despite a 3-1 win over Everton, on Sunday.
"If you ask me who is the favourite now, it's Arsenal," Conte told reporters on Sunday. "They have this chance to find a good season, to have a successful season.
"Arsenal missed out on the Champions League and we must prepare in the right way. I'm not talking about tactically -- I'm talking about motivation.
"The right fire in our soul and heart. If we have more than Arsenal then we'll have the possibility to win."
Conte can become the second manager to win the double in his first season after fellow Italian Carlo Ancelotti achieved the feat in the 2009-10 campaign.
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru)