FA Cup Final Preview
FA Cup Final 2018: Chelsea vs Manchester United
Date: Saturday 19th, 2018. Time: 17:15 (BST)
Coverage: BT Sport 2 or BBC One from 4 pm
As Saturday soon approaches, it is almost time for the fierce rivalry that is Conte vs Mourinho. There will certainly be no love lost between the two managers as Man United and Chelsea face off at Wembley for FA Cup glory.
For the first time ever, the FA Cup Final will feature the infamous VAR system. VAR has had a mixed bag of reviews with the overall opinion seeming to lean towards opposing the technology. It certainly hasn’t been helped from games like Spurs vs Rochdale, where a heap of strange, confusing decisions were made. There was a lot of confusing during the game shared by both managers and supporters. The technology seems to need a lot of ironing out. However, let us hope it has a successful appearance at this Saturday’s big clash.
Both Mourinho and Conte will be desperate to add their first piece of silverware this season. Conte perhaps more so, after missing out on the Champions League spot. Man United has had a solid season so far, finishing second behind the rampant Man City that totalled a record-breaking 100 points. However, with the last domestic trophy still up for grabs, this Saturday’s Final will mean more than just pride for both teams.
With Conte’s Chelsea future very much in doubt, winning the FA Cup could be his last chance of redemption. Can the Chelsea players provide a much-needed win for both fans and Conte? Or will there be another Mourinho masterclass? Mourinho’s record in finals alone is very impressive with 12 wins out of 14 finals as a coach. The other two only losing in extra time. Man United go in at the bookies favourite but I am sure it will be a tight game. With both teams playing quite cautious football combined with world-class players present in both outfits. It will most likely come down to which stars can perform on the day.
Chelsea finished the season with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. Sadly the draw and loss coming at the end to crush their hopes at Champions League football next season. Man United has the same previous 5 game form with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. In terms of form, both are performing worse than they are capable. I believe Man United could edge past Chelsea in what I expect to be a very close and entertaining matchup.
Team News
Chelsea
David Luiz is still out with a knee injury. Danny Drinkwater could be back in contention after struggling the past few months with a calf strain.
Conte has been rotating his squad the past few games which saw them lose 3-0 to Newcastle and draw 1-1 vs Huddersfield.
Man United
Alexis Sanches has returned to fitness for United however, Romelu Lukaku remains in doubt with an ankle injury. Anthony Martial is also expected to be out after suffering a knee injury in training.
Betting Tips
Man United to win in 90 mins (8/5 SportNation)
Chelsea to win in 90 mins (37/20 SportNation)
Under 2.5 goals (10/19 SporNation)
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Steven Hubbard
16/05/2018 07:58
