Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Arsene Wenger to choose Wojciech Szczesny for FA Cup final clash

Arsene Wenger has reportedly chosen Wojciech Szczesny as the man to marshal the posts in Arsenal's quest to retain their FA Cup title on 30 May against Aston Villa at the new Wembley stadium.

The Mirror reports that Szczesny has been given the nod over David Ospina, who made a couple of fatal errors in Arsenal's final game of the league season against West Bromwich Albion, where one led to a goal and the other was saved by the post.

The Pole has fallen out of favour since the turn of the year after a couple of puerile mistakes against Southampton on New Year's Day, which cost Arsenal the game . His situation was further exacerbated by reports of him caught smoking in the dressing room after the match, which led to his expulsion from the starting eleven for the league.

However, he has kept his position as the cup goalkeeper, starting in each of the previous games, except the first against Hull City and has been backed by the manager to give it his best, in what could be his final game at the club.

Compatriot Lukasz Fabianski was given a similar farewell last year when he won the FA Cup and went on a free transfer to Swansea, where he has been a revelation this season.

However, Szczesny will be hoping that it does not come to that and he gets an opportunity to prove his credentials in a big game for the Gunners.

The last time the Pole started in a cup final, he spilled the ball in a tussle with Laurent Koscielny to allow Birmingham to clinch the League Cup, relegating the Gunners to another three-year wait for a trophy.

"I did get a medal last season but it hasn't got the full flavour if you didn't play in the final. This year I'm hoping I can claim that trophy and be satisfied," Szczesny said when asked about his selection.

"Last year it was a straightforward decision. Lukasz played throughout the competition and I knew he would play in the final.

"This year I only missed the first game and have played the rest, but it's the manager's decision."