Arsenal manager Joe Montemurro is hoping his players will use their two defeats to Chelsea earlier this season as motivation when they face them in the League Cup Final on Saturday.

The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by their London rivals at Kingsmeadow back in October, before being thumped 4-1 in front of their home fans at Meadow Park last month.

But Montemurro believes the two defeats can be turned into a positive ahead of the final this weekend.

He said: “There’s always a motivation, especially in these big games. Obviously the other team we’re playing against have unfortunately beaten us twice this year, so it’s a great opportunity to right the wrongs.

“In the second game, which was probably the more evident game in terms of their power and ability to come out of the blocks, obviously they got the better of us in the first 20 minutes. They were powerful in that phase and we just weren’t able to bounce back, but we’re prepared for this one.

“We love our cup finals. It’s what we play for and it’s what we enjoy in the season. It’s what being a professional footballer and being in the professional game is all about. It’s another opportunity to showcase two fantastic teams and another opportunity to play some great football on a great stage.”

If Montemurro does lead Arsenal to a record-extending sixth League Cup success it will be his second as Gunners boss after he also lifted the trophy with them two years ago.