11:01 AM
Anonymous
The last time these teams met in this competition was in February 2004, when United ran out 4-2 winners, Garry Neville seeing red and Van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo starring. That was a very long time ago though. Since then, City have changed stadiums and undergone a revolution, with the massive cash injection of Sheikh Mansour. Players have come in and out, and City's charge to dethrone United's reign on the City has grown. The cross town transfer of Tevez, the dramatic last gasp wins for United in the recent past and Rooney's unrealistic volley earlier this season have only added more spice to this clash.
Pre-match hype is dominated by the absence of the two leading strikers, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez. Rooney serves the second of his 2 - match domestic ban for foul mouthing a Sky TV camera, as Tevez is ruled out with a hamstring he picked up in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
MANCHESTER UNITED
United go into the game on a fine run of form. Signs are ominous for the Red Devils, as they come in on a 7 match winning streak. The last was an emphatic second leg 2-1 win over Chelsea. Typically, United have picked up the pace at just the right time. Boosted by the news of no fresh injury concerns, Sir Alex's men head into the game as favorites. Having had the better of City in the recent games, only a fool would refuse to acknowledge the fact that City are getting closer and closer. Sir Alex's men must play a fine game to reach the finals. With all due respect to the other semi-finalists Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City, this game is the final before the final.
At the back, one can't foresee too much chopping and changing. Vidic has been a talisman all season. His partner, Rio Ferdinand picked up a knock against Chelsea mid-week, but should start. The assured replacement of Chris Smalling should give Ferguson no worries. Right back could see Rafael return, but Sir Alex must ponder upon throwing him right into the electric atmosphere of such a high stakes game. John O'Shea played against Chelsea, and his experience could well see him start. Patrice Evra has been another rock on the other flank. The left back has been consistent all season and should start.
Midfield is where, ironically, United are starting to make the difference. One that was heavily criticized earlier on, has grown stronger and stronger. Credit must go to Michael Carrick, who has run into some excellent form and put in match winning shifts in both legs against Chelsea. His vision, calmness and ability to relieve defenders by providing an outlet are key is such feisty games. Expect him to start.
Park Ji Sung is becoming more and more of a cult figure at Old Trafford, as his return to injury and excellent performances against Chelsea stunned everyone. Whether he starts or not, is yet to be seen. His tireless work ethic and endless levels of stamina make him unique. Along with him, Ryan Giggs has too come to the fore since the turn of the year. Probably the greatest player in United's history, or atleast right up there, his mind boggling fitness levels have seen him go on, and on, and on. He played a role in all 3 goals against Chelsea, and may be given a rest. United have Scholes, Gibson and Anderson all in the waiting, providing adequate cover.
Nani has been another shining light on the left. Coming of age this season, and surprisingly left out of the list of nominees for the Player of the Season award, he is a remarkable talent. His trickery, pace and strength on both feet make him a very difficult attacker to stop. Shown the inside or outside, he is always a threat. Up against the powerful Micah Richards, this battle will be one to keep an eye on. On the other side, Luis Antonio Valencia's return from the horrific ankle break he suffered against Rangers early on in the season has probably made all the difference. One of the most complete players around, he is packed with breakneck speed, trickery, vision, strength and ability to cross. Rested in midweek, he is another one of the sure starters.
Up front, its options galore. Wayne Rooney may be missed, but in his place comes Dimi Berbatov. The lanky Bulgarian may consider himself unlucky not to have seen as much game time in big games, after bagging a handful of goals, but his touch of class, moments of brilliance and ability to find the net will make him more than a handful for Kompany and Lescott. Partnering him should be Javier Hernandez, who has remarkably risen to the fore since his 7mn transfer. A natural finisher, dangerous poacher and a man with an appetite to close down defenders and make a nuisance of himself, expect to see his name on the score sheet. Michael Owen , remembered for his dramatic 94th minute winner against City at Old Trafford last season is fit again, and could see some game time.
MANCHESTER CITY
Ambitious City know that the FA Cup represents their last chance of ending the 35 year wait for silverware this season. Mancini's men are still on track to accomplish their season objectives, although the turn of the New Year has seen their challenge for the league fade away. Would it be any sweeter, than to put one over Man United, at Wembley ?
Joe Hart has been one of City's best performers this season. Rising to first choice goalkeeper for England, he will be difficult to beat. Should City beat United, expect a big performance from him. And his defense ! ...
Richards and Kolarov are similar full backs. Strong and assured, they look to get ahead more often than not. But, they will have to be disciplined, because United's wing play is very strong. Valencia and Nani need no encouragement to run riot, and early bookings, careless passes and sloppy positioning could undo them. Vincent Komapny is a regular at centre back and will be relieved to see Wayne Rooney in the stands. The loss of Boateng for the rest of the season sees Lescott deputize. One thing is certain : Should City win, their defense must be at their very best.
City's midfield could be accused of being a little flat. De Jong sits in the hole and destroys. The combative midfielder knows how to put himself about and is key to closing up spaces which United's wingers could drive into. Garreth Barry and Yaya Toure are much the same. Both have excellent vision and passing. Whether they can match up to United, is a different question altogether. However, their physical presence could help them dominate the middle of the park, and allow the likes of Milner and Silva to occupy more advanced positions.
David Silva is a game changer. If given time and space, he has the ability and talent to punish United. His nimble footwork and remarkable quickness could open up spaces. Milner's powerful play, link up with the midfield and ability to cross all day long are key. Up front is where City will miss Tevez. The Argentine has alone plundered 22 goals, and his stand-in's Dzeko, Blaotelli and Jo have managed just 17 between them. Mancini must come up with a make shift forward line for City's date with destiny. Dzeko is a class act, but has not yet got going since his 30mn move from Wolfsburg. Yet, United should be wary of him. Balotelli is more volatile than a bottle of deodorant. Mancini would surely think twice before playing him in such a high-stakes game ! The likes of Shaun Wright Phillips and Adam Johnson can be called upon too. The skillful English winger has an appetite for big occasions and could be Mancini's trump card.But overall, you sense City must win the battle in the middle of the park to trouble United's back line.
PREDICTIONS
City may have the ambition, but United have the experience. This is the first time the blue half of Manchester occupy Wembley, and in contrast, United have been there too many times.
The stakes are high. Its been a while since United went all the way in the FA Cup and the abundance of experience and form tip the game in their favor. Don't expect too many goals, but expect one hell of a game.
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