Manchester United may be lagging behind Manchester City in the Premier League but they have a chance to lift a trophy today when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final. The Red Devils beat Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final and will believe that they can go all the way and win their third silverware under current manager Jose Mourinho.
They take on Antonio Conte’s men, who beat Southampton to get to the final. The Blues missed out on a top-4 spot and will want their season to end with silverware but they are not in great form at the moment and are just outsiders to win this final. Conte will have his plans for this game but Mourinho’s side have been effective in such high profile games and will go for the kill. Here is the predicted lineup Mourinho might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, both Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial travelled with the squad to London. While Lukaku will be given a very late chance to be fit, Martial is only back in training and might not be risked. Him, along with Marouane Fellaini are the only absentees for this FA Cup final.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
David de Gea was given a rest in the final game of the league season against Watford but should be back in action and start under the bar for this crunch tie. Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have both added valuable experience to the back line and will keep their places in the side at right-back and left-back respectively.
With Eric Bailly and Marcos Rojo starting last weekend, Mourinho might stick with a CB partnership of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, to try and keep the likes of Hazard and Giroud quiet in this game.
Midfield:
Nemanja Matic was also given a rest against Watford and deserves to start this game in the no.6 role. He will be helped by Ander Herrera, who will add stability to the midfield while Paul Pogba, who will add creativity to the side, will start to Matic’s left and will complete United’s midfield.
Attack:
Romelu Lukaku is still doubtful and if he misses this game, Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the line for The Red Devils. Alexis Sanchez has turned into a crucial part of the squad and will start on the left wing while Jesse Lingard, who loves these big occasions, will start on the right flank.
Here is how they might line up:
