The 2018 FA Cup Final is the 137th final of the FA Cup, the world’s oldest football cup competition. The final will be held at Wembley Stadium, London between last season runners up Chelsea and the 2016 winners Manchester United. It is also a repeat of the 2007 edition which Chelsea won under current Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
Michael Oliver is the referee for the match. This final is the first in England where the video assistant referee (VAR) system will used.
Prince Williams, the Duke of Cambridge who is the President of the Football Association would not be attending the final and presenting the trophy because the final is on same day as the wedding of the Duke’s brother. Jackie Wilkins, the widow of former Manchester United and Chelsea player Ray Wilkins, will do the honors.
CHELSEA v MANCHESTER UNITED – SAT. 19 MAY 2018, 17.15 HRS
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CHELSEA
Chelsea entered this competition in the third round and were pushed all the way to penalties after a replay before knocking out Norwich City. They made light work of Newcastle United and Hull City in the fourth and fifth rounds. The Blues required an extra time winner to defeat Leicester City in the quarter finals before dispatching Southampton quite easily in the last four to secure a final berth.
Chelsea have a strong squad but their star man is Eden Hazard. The 27-year-old attacking playmaker is the livewire of his team. He has been influential in his team progress to the final and will be required to play a crucial role if Antonio Conte’s team are to go one better than they did last year. The Italian coach can count on Willian, Cesc Fabregas and Olivier Giroud to provide adequate support for their Belgian super star.
MANCHESTER UNITED
As a Premier League team, Manchester United also entered this competition in the third round. They defeated lower division teams Derby County and Yeovil Town in the third and fourth rounds. They dispatched their first Premier League opponent Huddersfield in the fifth round and Brighton in the last eight by the same score line 2-0. Until their semi-final game against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United did not concede a goal in the competition. Manchester United booked their place in the final for the 20th time in a 2-1 victory over Spurs in the semis.
Jose Mourinho has a heavy artillery within his Manchester United team starting with their goalkeeper David De Gea. The Spaniard is one of the most influential and important member of his team. He has been a consistent performer to his team over the years and his team mates know they can rely on him to keep them in games and win the games with crucial saves. Paul Pogba is the midfield general with Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku leading the line in attack. Other key players are Nemanja Matic and suitable super subs in Marouane Fellaini and Jesse Lingard.
VERDICT – Who will win the 2018 FA Cup final?
It is the final silverware up for grabs in England. Manchester City won the League and League Cup so former Premier League champions can save their campaign with a victory. On the other hand, the noisy neighbors in Manchester have raised the noise level as the new force in town which is unacceptable from the Red Devils camp.
Chelsea lost in the finals last season and will be hoping to go one further this term. This game could determine the fate and future of the Italian coach. Manchester United have won their last seven cup matches at Wembley and Jose Mourinho will be determiend to have the last laugh in his feud with Conte.
Manchester United have won eight of their last nine FA Cup matches while Chelsea are undefeated in their last six FA Cup matches.Jose Mourinho is a master tactician for the big moment.
A cagey affair is anticipated. Both teams to score.
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