BOBBY ROBSON has tipped Arsenal, Newcastle's quarter-final replay conquerors, to beat Chelsea in today's FA Cup final, writes Clive Hetherington.

But, unlike many managers, the United boss won't be present at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium - because it's his wife's birthday!

Robson, whose side also lost to Chelsea in a Wembley semi-final two years ago, said: "It's an intriguing clash of two very high-quality sides.

"But I have to go for Arsenal to win - just. They know how to handle the big games; they have composure, confidence and experience and they don't concede many goals.

"Chelsea, on the other hand, have been a little bit brittle at times this season.

"They both have top-class spearheads - Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp for Arsenal, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen for Chelsea.

"But I think Arsenal will win 2-1. I won't be there, though. You see, it's Elsie's birthday...''