Two of the Premier League’s superpowers lock horns at Wembley tomorrow, as Chelsea battle Manchester United in their last chance to win some silverware this season. The rivalry between Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho is likely to take centre-stage, as the two had a public falling out earlier this season after Mourinho called the Italian a “little man” and “fake”.
Mourinho’s United have had far from a bad year but have lived very much in their rival’s shadow this season, so a trophy would go a long way in pleasing the players and fans.
On the other hand, Conte’s Chelsea have had a season to forget, failing to retain their Premier League title by some margin and only managing to secure a Europa League place; with key players such as Hazard and Courtois looking to the exit door, an FA Cup triumph may be the only thing to persuade them to stay at Stamford Bridge for the 18/19 season.
United are chasing a record-equalling 13th title, which would put them level with Arsenal as the most successful team in the competition’s history, while Chelsea, who last won the FA Cup in 2012, will attempt to lift the vaunted trophy for the eighth time in their history.
The Blues overcame Southampton in the semi-final to bookend their season with a trip to Wembley and will be particularly desperate to win this time round, having suffered a bitter defeat to London rivals Arsenal in the final last season.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, saw off Tottenham in the other semi-final and it is a prime opportunity for Jose Mourinho, who last won the competition while at the helm of Chelsea in 2006, to add another piece of silverware to his collection since taking the reins at Old Trafford.
Match Facts
- This will be Manchester United’s 20th FA Cup final – a joint-record with Arsenal, while only the Gunners (13) have won the trophy more than the Red Devils (12).
- This is Chelsea’s 13th appearance in the showpiece – they lost last year’s final against Arsenal and could become the first team to lose consecutive FA Cup finals since Newcastle in 1998 and 1999.
- In all FA Cup meetings, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last four against Man Utd (W3 D1), since a 2-0 loss in a quarter-final replay in 1998-99.
- In all competitions, Man Utd have won two of their last three meetings with Chelsea (L1), more than they had in their previous 14 against the Blues (W1 D6 L7).
- The Red Devils haven’t conceded more than a single goal in any of their last 16 FA Cup matches, keeping eight clean sheets in that time. Dele Alli’s strike for Spurs in the semi-final is the only goal they’ve conceded in the competition this season.
- Meanwhile, the Blues have conceded just twice in the competition this season – against Norwich in the third round and Leicester in the quarter-finals.
- Antonio Conte could become the first manager to lose consecutive FA Cup finals since Howard Kendall in 1985 and 1986.
- Alexis Sanchez scored in last season’s final with Arsenal, and could become the first player to score in consecutive cup finals with different clubs.
- Giroud has been directly involved in 22 goals in his 26 FA Cup appearances (15 goals, 7 assists), more than any other player in the competition since his debut.
- Romelu Lukaku has scored 12 goals in his last 12 FA Cup appearances, including five in five for Manchester United.
Team News
Chelsea:
Chelsea are likely to be without defender David Luiz, who has been laid low with an ankle injury, while Danny Drinkwater and Ethan Ampadu are also out of action. It will be interesting to see if Conte picks Morata or Giroud in the striker position, although there is a strong possibility that both will start together to combat United’s physicality and aerial presence.
Potential XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Cahill; Alonso, Kante, Fabregas, Moses, Hazard; Morata, Giroud.
Manchester United:
There are lingering concerns over the fitness of Romelu Lukaku, who is in a race against time to establish his availability as he recovers from a foot injury. Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini are also carrying knocks.
Potential XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Young; Pogba, Matic, Mata, Sanchez, Lingard; Lukaku.
Words from the Managers
Conte:
“To get to the final and finish the season at Wembley for the second time in a row it is a great achievement for us and the fans.
“The most important thing for us is to win the trophy and the will and desire to lift it.”
Mourinho:
“I think will be a very emotional moment for Mrs Wilkins (to present the trophy) and for all the family, I know how much he was loved at Chelsea, how much he was loved at Manchester United and I think is a coincidence that the two clubs are playing the final but will be a moment that will unite the stadium, the fans of both colours and I think beautiful moment, right.”
