FA Cup Final

The pre-match attention may have been focused on Guus Hiddink’s last game as Chelsea boss but it was Mr Consistency himself Frank Lampard who managed to steal the spotlight with a scorching long range winner to set himself up as many people’s man of the match.

The final game of another memorable season takes place at Wembley this Saturday but one can’t help but feel a little underwhelmed as Chelsea versus Everton approaches. Neither side plays with much dash, and I’d be surprised if we were treated to a memorable encounter.

This will, for now, be Guus Hiddink’s last match in charge as Chelsea manager and he should be commended for salvaging something from the Blues’ season. They were going nowhere fast under Scolari, but the Dutchman has made the London club difficult to beat again and it is easy to see why they are just 1.50 shots to lift the trophy.

That price looks fair enough, the bookmakers appear to have it spot on, but Everton shouldn’t be written off just yet. David Moyes is another manger well worthy of the praise currently being flung in his direction and his side will be no pushover.

For long spells this season, Moyes has had to endure extended spells with no recognised strikers. Often, the promising Marouane Fellaini and ever dependable Tim Cahill stepped up when required to fill the void. But with Saha and Jo providing neither consistent quality nor fitness this term, it was ultimately the lack of a top class front man that prevented the Toffee’s getting closer to fourth place Arsenal. This could also prove their undoing on Saturday.

Everton will be well organised yet again but there’s no doubt they will miss the outstanding Phil Jagielka, in addition to the crocked Mikel Arteta. Consequently, I expect Hiddink to depart in the best possible manor. That said, none of the outright or match odds appeal and instead I’m talking a more speculative punt.

While the likes of Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic and Steven Gerrard were recognised at various end-of-season award ceremonies, the contribution of Frank Lampard to Chelsea’s cause this season should not be overlooked. I take the England midfielder to cap another marvellous campaign by leading his side to victory.

Lampard is the driving force from the middle. He always carries a goal threat and looks excellent value at 9.00 to be named Man of the Match. Dider Drogba’s unpopularity counts against him, Nicolas Anelka’s inconsistency likewise and unless Michael Essien or Florent Malouda steal the show then Frank must be in the running to claim top individual honours.

It’s been another fantastic season and while I’ll be back later in the year looking ahead to the 2009/10 campaign hopefully we can sign off in style with a winner.

Enjoy the summer.