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Manchester City and Stoke City do battle in the FA Cup final this weekend, looking to secure an invaluable piece of silverware.
The most famous domestic cup competition in the world, the FA Cup is a massive deal for both of these teams and it is set to be an extremely competitive final as Tony Pulis and Roberto Mancini go head to head.
Of course the prize for each team is the same should they emerge victorious, but it would be special and significant for different reasons.
For Manchester City, it would be the seen as the start of a successful period where they win plenty more trophies.
The playing squad has been heavily invested in over the last couple of years and to secure some major silverware would be reward for this. It would also relieve the pressure of securing a trophy and act as a platform to build on.
Manchester City want to be one of the best teams in Europe and this would be seen as the start of better times for them. They have improved this year, securing Champions League football next season, and to win the FA Cup too would cap an excellent campaign.
It would also provide some stability at the club with Mancini’s position as manager surely secure if he brings in some silverware. This has to be positive with regards to the speed in which they can continue their progression.
Victory on Saturday for Stoke on the other hand would be reward for their excellent progression under Pulis. They were only promoted in 2008 and to win the FA Cup just three years later would be an incredible achievement.
They have established themselves as a top-flight club over the last couple of seasons and to lift the FA Cup trophy would be a reminder of how quickly they have progressed. It would also bring European football to the club for the first time.
Looking at the team news for this one, both teams are sweating on the fitness of one particular key player. Manchester City are hoping that captain and star striker Carlos Tevez could be involved, while Stoke will be hoping winger Matthew Etherington can be passed fit.
Whoever steps out on the famous Wembley turf though, this is going to be a special final. Lifting the FA Cup trophy would be an incredibly significant moment in either club’s history.
It is also positive for the final that this is the single most important game remaining for both teams. Had Manchester City still needed to secure 4th place, one eye would have been on that, but they can 100% focus on Saturday’s game.
As for Stoke, they are safe from relegation in 8th position, sitting 10 points above the drop zone with two games to play.
Manchester City are favourites to emerge victorious for this one of course, they have an incredible of amount of talent in their squad and plenty of match-winners.
Stoke will enjoy the underdogs tag though. Much like they have done in the league over the last couple of years. Write them off at your peril because they will give Man City a good game.
Bring on an exciting FA Cup final. May the best team win.
