Author: Soorya G
After the end of the Premier League season, the interest of the English soccer community will turn to the FA Cup final between the Red Devils and Manchester City, possible contenders for the treble, which will be played at the iconic Wembley Stadium. Manchester City recently reinforced their dominance by winning their fifth Premier League title in six seasons. City, who have been one of the best teams in Europe for some time under Spanish tactician Pep Guardiola, are also in their second Champions League final in three years, where they will face Italian titans Inter Milan. The Cityzens reached the final after beating RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid in the knockout phase, all with convincing victories. They are now aiming for an unprecedented treble, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Manchester United, who they will face in the FA Cup final. United had achieved the feat under the legendary Alex Ferguson in 1999.
The journey to the Premier League championship may have been the most difficult during Pep Guardiola’s time at Manchester City, as his team continually chased Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who were clearly in the lead for the title for most of the season. A record for a team that lost the title, the Gunners held first place for over 200 days before Guardiola’s men caught up with them in typically brilliant fashion. The Cityzens won 26 games before losing to Thomas Frank’s Brentford in their last league game, when they had already secured the title. Manchester City will now focus solely on each of the cup finals, with the Champions League much more crucial for them, as victory in the coveted tournament has been denied them, even though they have come very close on a few occasions. The FA Cup final could be used by City as a way to prepare for the match against the mighty Inter Milan, as they hope to win at Wembley, although their local rivals may have other ideas.
Considering the situation the club was in a year ago, Manchester United have had a fantastic season. Things didn’t go quite as planned after Erik Ten Hag’s appointment, as the Red Devils suffered some disappointing defeats at the start of his tenure. However, Ten Hag persisted with his coaching philosophy, even making difficult decisions, one of which was to put the great Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. Manchester United were rewarded for their consistent improvement throughout the season as the Red Devils won the Carabao Cup, beating Newcastle in the final game to give them their first trophy in six years. United did a great job of using possession with the new system, often setting up a sequence of quick passes to create space and break down the opposition’s defensive structures.
Team news
Although both managers want to field their best teams for the all-important game, both sides will be dealing with their own physical concerns. Lisandro Martinez will sit out the FA Cup final, while Manuel Akanji, Kevin De Bruyne and Ruben Dias are recovering from minor injuries. United could also be without the services of Antony, who is racing against time to get back to full fitness.
Expected line-ups:
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Ake, Laporte; Stones, Rodri; Gundogan, Foden, Mahrez, Silva; Haaland;
Manchester United: De Gea; Wan Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial;
Key players
From City’s point of view, Ilkay Gundogan ‘s performance will be a key factor, given that the veteran is in fantastic form. The German played an important role in Manchester City’s fantastic run to the title in the second half of the season and, should De Bruyne be ruled out of the game, the responsibility will fall to Gundogan.
Raphael Varane ‘s success will be crucial for Manchester United, as the French World Cup winner will have the responsibility of fighting Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland. He has been a crucial contributor to United’s exploits this year and his importance in the final cannot be underestimated.
PREDICTIONS
City will lift the FA Cup trophy
Manchester City have been relentless in all competitions throughout the season and start as undisputed favorites to lift the trophy on Saturday.
Haaland finds the back of the net
The imposing Norwegian continues his fine form, as he has done all season, breaking the Premier League goalscoring record in his first season. He has already scored 51 goals in all competitions this season and will be eager to score some more as City aim for the triple crown.
Sancho shines against former bosses
The English winger wasn’t in his best form for Manchester United last year, but has turned things around recently, scoring two goals in one game. A product of City’s academy, he will try to perform well against his former employers.