Manchester United and Chelsea will clash for the FA Cup title on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, in a match that provides an opportunity for both sides to acquire their only trophy this season. It’s been an underwhelming campaign for both of these super rich big six clubs, so both are right now relishing an opportunity to hoist the FA Cup at the national stadium this weekend.
Not to mention you have the history of acrimony between the two managers, Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho, and thus, a whole lot is on the line in this one. Let’s take a look at the fitness and injury report for this clash.
United’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku, who once played for Chelsea as you might recall, is the headliner injury concern in this match as he’s missed the last three games due to ankle injury. He’s rehabbing in his native Belgium, but still faces a race to be fit in time. His status could change between now and the weekend, but he’s currently a doubt.
Another doubt in the forward position group is Anthony Martial, who suffered an injury in training two days before United’s win over Watford on Sunday. It’s possible that he may have played his last contest in a United shirt, as he’s been linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford this summer. The team on the opposite sideline this Saturday is one of a handful of possible destinations that consistently pop up in speculative articles.
Marouane Fellaini is another player who may have seen his United career end, as his future with the club is in doubt to an impasse in contract extension negotiations.
He’s also missed the last two games due to injury.
Flipping over to Chelsea, only two players of note are of injury concern Danny Drinkwater (calf strain) and while versatile David Luiz (knee). Both however, probably wouldn’t be starting anyway.
FA Cup Final Odds via BetFair: Man Utd 8/5, Chelsea FC 19/10
Kickoff: 5:15 Local
United Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Chelsea Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Prediction: United 3, Chelsea FC 2
This will be a clash between two managers with tremendous self-confidence, and extremely high ambitions. The history of personal acrimony between the two bosses only serves to make this contest even more competitive. With Chelsea boss Antonio Conte likely on the way out, it appears that Mourinho will have the finer edge for this blockbuster match, and thus we’re pegging him to guide his side to victory.
Also, the Portugese has a tremendous track record in contests such as these. He’s won 12 of 14 cup finals since claiming the UEFA Cup with Porto in 2003.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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