FA Cup Final: Manchester Derby heads to London
The FA Cup on display - Photo by Tom Dulat - The FA/THE FA via Getty Images
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The conclusion of the domestic season is already upon us, but one game still remains in the English football calendar. The FA Cup, in it’s 152nd year as a competition, has reached its own climax, with two of England’s most elite teams facing off for the trophy.

Manchester City secured a record-breaking fourth consecutive top-flight trophy last weekend, and can now secure their third FA Cup trophy under the leadership of Pep Guardiola. However, they will have to face off against their closest rival, Manchester United, if they are to complete another domestic double.

It has been rumoured that Erik ten Hag faces the termination of his United contract regardless of the result, yet the Dutch manager will be hoping to go out on a high when they travel to Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Manchester United have not lifted the FA Cup since 2016, when they defeated Crystal Palace 2-1.

Here, we review the key information, players and injuries ahead of tomorrow’s huge clash between these English giants.

  • Team News

Manchester City are expected to keep Stefan Ortega Moreno in goal for the final, as Ederson continues to recover from his eye injury. The goalkeeper collided with a Tottenham Hotspur player in their 2-0 victory over in London, as was forced to be substituted and did not appear in City’s title winning game against West Ham United.

However, it is likely that this change was to be made anyway, as Ortega has been the cup goalkeeper for Manchester City throughout the season. Additionally, City are likely to have a wealth of options available to them in this fixture, as nobody else remains unavailable due to injury.

Manchester United are in a similar situation, as only Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia could be unavailable for the final. English international Maguire is believed to be suffering with a muscle injury, that saw him miss the away trip to Brighton, and could see him miss out on selection tomorrow. However, it is not expected to be long term, as the defender was called up to England’s provisional Euro 2024 side.

Dutch fullback Malacia has missed competitive football all season, and will also miss United’s last fixture of the season, meaning this campaign has been a disappointment for the youngster. With Erik ten Hag’s future in the balance, this might spell an end to the defenders short time at Old Trafford.

However, the injury woes look to be over for the Red Devils. Lisandro Martinez returned from a lengthy injury by starting against Brighton in their 2-0 victory, whilst Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial could make their last appearances in  United shirts, after they were confirmed to be leaving the club this summer.

This means that both squads should have a full selection to pick from, promising an enticing game between two world-class squads.

  • Potential Line-Ups

Manchester City: Ortega; Gvardiol, Akanji, Dias, Walker; Rodri; Doku, De Bruyne, Foden, Silva; Haaland.

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Martinez, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka; Mainoo, Amrabat; Garnacho, Amad; Fernandes, McTominay.

  • Key Players

Manchester City - Phil Foden

Phil Foden has had a remarkable season in sky blue colours this season. Now spending his eighth season in first team football for Guardiola's men, Foden has exploded this year, racking up 27 goals in 52 games, as well as 27 goal contributions in 35 Premier League appearances. City have relied on Foden this season as a source of attacking output, and Foden has delivered on the faith shown in him.

In his last five matches, the Stockport-born winger has scored five and assisted one, including an early brace against West Ham that all but handed Manchester City at the time. In his last fixture against Manchester United, a emphatic brace put the Red Devils to bed, and will certainly give his opponents something to sweat about going into this game.

Ranking in the 11th percentile for shot attempts, 9th for touches, 17th for chances created and 7th for goals, Foden is very much an architect alonsgide Kevin de Bruyne, with the addition of clinical finishes to his game. With his creative prowess, Manchester United will do well to subdue the threat that Foden poses to them, making the 23-year old the key man for this fixture.

Manchester United - Diogo Dalot

It is difficult to pick a particular standout for Erik ten Hag's men, but after his goal against Brighton, it would be unfair to say Diogo Dalot has had a poor season. The right-back struggled for consistent first-team action before this campaign, but due to injury woes and lack of depth, the Portuguese defender has found 35 starts this season, returning with two goals and three assists to his name.

His goal against Brighton sealed a potential European spot for the Red Devils, whilst an assist against Coventry City in the semi-final avoided a severe scare for the Red Devils, showing Dalot could perform under pressure. Ranking in the 30th percentile for chances created, 25th for defensive actions and 34th for shot attempts, the fullback has began to master his all-round game.

Winning 63% of his tackles, 32 of his aerial duels, 37 interceptions and 158 duels, the City attack may have to be aware of Dalot's presence during the game, especially considering his recent form. Winning the Players' Player of the Year award further suggests how well the right-back has done this season, making him my pick for this huge fixture.

  • Road to the Final

Manchester City

Manchester United

  • R3: Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United
  • R4: Newport County 2-4 Manchester United
  • R5: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester United
  • R6: Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool (AET)
  • R7: Coventry City 3-3 Manchester United (Manchester United win 4-2 on penalties)

  • When and where will this game take place?

This match takes place at 3pm BST on Saturday 25th May, at Wembley Stadium in the heart of London. The referee for this fixture is Andy Madley, who has dished out 116 yellows and four reds across 33 referee appearances this season.

This game can be watched on free-to-air channel BBC One, or any other relevant channel.