City gears up for FA Cup final

Which team will leave Cardiff with the FA Cup?

As tens of thousands of football fans prepare to descend on Cardiff for the FA Cup final, the city is making last-minute preparations for the match.

With Premiership rivals Arsenal and Southampton clashing on the pitch, police are urging supporters to arrive early and to obey directions.

More than 100,000 people are expected to head for south Wales to watch the final, which is being played at the Millennium Stadium for the third time.

Officers are also warning fans - who are travelling by road, rail and air - not to be complacent after the event ran smoothly in 2001 and 2002.

The majority of fans are expected to come by road, but rail operators are expecting around 9,000 to travel by train.

Southampton fans

Road

Coaches leave M4 at J28

Cars leave M4 at J29

Rail

Two special trains - all seats now reserved

Air

Private flights expected from the south coast

Around 1,000 others are due to fly into Cardiff International Airport, including five specially chartered planes and around 30 private aircraft.

It is the third year in a row that defending champions Arsenal have made the final, and police are worried that their fans will leave their journey to the last minute.

As at previous football and rugby games, park and ride schemes have been set up to bring fans into the city.

"We haven't had any problems with fans arriving by road over the past few years," said a South Wales Police spokeswoman.

"But our biggest worry is that fans will get complacent, especially if they have been to Cardiff for a final before.

"Our message is 'Come early and we won't have any problems'."

Meanwhile, police have written to 44 football hooligans telling them to stay away from the match.

Arsenal fans

Road

Coaches leave M4 at J32

Cars leave M4 at J33

Rail

Five extra trains from London

Air

Five planes specially chartered

Private flights expected from the south coast

British Transport Police sent letters to supporters with banning orders or relevant bail conditions ahead of the game.

Seventeen Southampton supporters and 27 Arsenal fans received warnings.

The Arsenal team is due to arrive at Cardiff International Airport on Friday afternoon.

Last year, Arsenal beat fellow Londoners Chelsea 2-0 to lift the trophy, after they had lost the 2001 final to a late double from Liverpool striker Michael Owen.

Southampton have not won the FA Cup for 27 years, since they beat Manchester United 1-0 in 1976.

Saturday's game will be the 122nd final, and is being held in Cardiff while Wembley Stadium is being rebuilt.