Manchester City v Stoke FA Cup Final Preview
With Manchester City and Stoke City advancing, the stage is set for the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday 14th May. 759 teams come down to these two as each side look to end trophy droughts. City are the favourites at Ladbrokes.
City were underdogs against Manchester United in their semi-final match but won 1-0 off a Yaya Toure goal. The boys in blue could end a 35-year trophy drought after knocking off the tournament favourties. It’s their first FA Cup final in 30 years. City boss Roberto Mancini has Serie A and Coppa Italia trophies as a manager in Italy and will be looking for his first English trophy. The investment made in the squad could finally pay off.
Stoke ran all over Bolton to everyone’s surprise for a 5-0 victory in their semi-final. It was the largest margin of victory in an FA Cup semi-final in 72 years. After entering the Premier League in 2008, they have proven their worth with consistent mid-table finishes and have a chance to win their first major trophy since the League Cup in 1972. Tony Pulis is looking to end his 19-year silverware drought as a manager. If City finish fourth as expected in the Premier League, Stoke should have a Europa League spot for next season.
Stoke are unbeaten in four fixtures against City since December 2009. They knocked City out of the FA Cup in the fifth round last year so they could surprise again.
FA Cup Winner Odds (supplied by Ladbrokes)
Manchester City: 2/5
Stoke: 7/4