All’s well that ends well. This is the last game of the 2017/18 English season and the end battle for Chelsea and Manchester United, in the FA Cup Final. It is difficult to measure the importance of this game for both clubs as it is equally pivotal for both.
Chelsea finished outside of the top-four this season after winning the league last year. So there is an unrest at Stamford Bridge and manager Antonio Conte’s situation has been tumult throughout this campaign. For them, a trophy to finish the season would be good leading up to an important summer.
For Manchester United, this has been an underwhelming season despite finishing second in the Premier League. They were knocked out tamely by Sevilla in the Champions League and were far behind in terms of quality and points to eventual League champions Manchester City. Jose Mourinho’s men finished with 81 points, 19 behind Pep Guardiola’s team.
However, it is not for finishing second that has made the United fraternity a bit frustrated. It is the style of football that Mourinho is playing at Old Trafford. We all know the Sir Alex Ferguson era was all about playing attacking football with a high press and being brave.
Well, the Jose way is a bit different with every respect, playing in a conservative way and preferring result more than the style. However, an FA Cup win in combination with the second place finish would add some gloss to the United season.
As far as Chelsea vs Manchester United is concerned, it is always spicy and thrilling between two clubs, with a huge history.
Team News
Manchester United
There is a major concern that Romelu Lukaku might miss the final with a ligament injury which is not serious but enough to keep him out of this game. Anthony Martial is a doubt but is still in contention to be in the squad for Saturday. Marouane Fellaini is also a doubt but may still feature.
Chelsea
For Chelsea, they don’t have many injury concerns as of now. David Luiz and Ross Barkley will be out but apart from that, every other first team player will be available for selection.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester United
De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Young; Matic, Pogba, Herrera; Sanchez, Lingard, Rashford.
Chelsea
Caballero; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Rudiger; Moses, Alonso, Fabregas, Kante, Bakayoko; Hazard, Giroud.
Stats Pack
- In the FA Cup, Manchester United have won 8 of their last 9 games. The 12-time winners always do well in this competition.
- However, Chelsea have won 6 out of the last 7 games in all competitions against Manchester United, which is certainly an advantage.
- Manchester United have at least scored 2 goals in the last 8 of their 9 games in the FA Cup.
- Head to head, United have 77 wins, while Chelsea have 53 wins, with 49 of them being draws.
- Chelsea are yet to face any of the so-called “big boys” in this tournament so far. They defeated Southampton in the semi-finals. On the other hand, Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur in their semi-final.
Source: Whoscored.com
Prediction
Chelsea lost their last game against Newcastle in an underwhelming fashion. They would want to get that right and win a cup to put some kind of sheen in their campaign.
Manchester United won their last game 1-0 against Watford, which was not a very exciting game. Remember, the previous FA Cup final between these two teams was won by Chelsea.