Saturday 21st May 2016 Kickoff 1730hrs
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Football – FA Cup – England
The FA Cup final has long been the showpiece of the English football season, and whilst it may not have the same romance as in years gone by, it remains an occasion to look forward to. Tomorrow’s match-up is a repeat of the 1990 final when Manchester United victorious after a replay. The original game was one of the all-time classics as the team’s shared six goals. If we can get similar entertainment tomorrow then we will all be in for a real treat.
Crystal Palace have never reached the final of this competition since their agonising replay defeat 26 years ago so they will be itching to get going on Saturday. Although they come into this game very much as the underdog, Alan Pardew and his players will be confident of springing an upset in what has been a season full of them. Palace may not have hit the same heights in terms of their league form in 2016, but their run to Wembley has seen them turn in several impressive performances. The Eagles have already seen off Southampton and Tottenham (both of whom have finished in the top six) away from home in this season’s competition, whilst they have also gotten the better of Stoke and Reading before their semi-final win over Watford. The win over Stoke was the only home tie they had throughout and is an indication of how they done it the hard way, but their biggest test is arguably still to come as they prepare to face a United side who are desperate for some silverware to make up for failing to finish in the top four and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
After the drama of last week when their final league game of the season had to be postponed due to security concerns, United had the inconvenience of having to play on Tuesday night – a full 48 hours later. As their fate in terms of finishing position was virtually sealed with Manchester City getting they point they required to finish fourth on Sunday, Louis Van Gaal had the option of resting his players with a view to this game but he decided to stick with the majority of what would be his likely starting line-up against Palace. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and Ashley Young earned United a 3-1 win over Bournemouth to bring their league season to a close and finish a disappointing fifth. That, along with the style of football that Van Gaal has elected to adopt this term, has put the Dutchman under pressure and cast doubt over his future at the club. With Jose Mourinho being strongly linked to take over in the summer, it’s doubtful that Saturday’s game will have a bearing either way on whether or not there is a managerial change, as United’s ambition is bigger than the FA Cup, but it remains a trophy and one that the club have not won since 2004.
There has been a lot of attention focussed on the fitness of Wilfred Zaha in the build-up to this match and it’s little surprise considering how important the wide player has been for Palace in their run to the final – and this season in general. He’s not played since the semi-final win over Watford at the end of April but the final has always been his aim and Pardew has resisted the urge to rush him back before then. It will be extra-special for Zaha as he is only due to play in his first ever FA Cup final, but he’s also coming up against his former team, one which deemed him surplus to requirements following a big money transfer in 2013. Goals against Southampton and Stoke in previous rounds are just part of the contribution he has made and if Palace are to win the trophy then you would think the trio of Zaha, Yannick Bolasie and Yohan Cabaye will have to be at their best. They certainly have the quality to trouble United and will be crucial to any success Palace have.
United have flirted with an exit from this competition on several occasions this term already, requiring a last-minute penalty at home to Sheffield United in the third round before another late goal – this time an equaliser – against West Ham. They saw off that opponent in the replay but left it late once again the semi-final against Everton with a last-gasp Anthony Martial winner sealing their place in tomorrow’s final. United supporters will be hoping they do not leave it as late against Palace, however they will be at the point where a win at any cost is just about acceptable. A win would see them lift their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 – and it’s been a long three years for them.
Crystal Palace v Manchester United Betting Tips
Whilst neither of these two sides had the end to their respective league campaigns that they wished for, both will be desperate for a win here to end their season on a high. West Ham will probably be the only other club hoping that United can live up to their tag of being favourites as it would ensure the Hammers play in Europe next term but the majority of neutrals will be looking for yet another surprise following Leicester’s exploits in the Premier League. This would not be anything like the same achievement of course, but a Palace victory would mean the world to all concerned with the club.
The two league meetings between the clubs this season were pretty forgettable as United won 2-0 at Old Trafford a month ago, and the sides shared the spoils in a goalless draw back in October. We all hope that tomorrow’s game is much more exciting but neither United or Palace are free-scoring by any manner of means and with finals usually bringing that extra bit of caution, it may well be something of a battle. I find it hard to side with a United team who have continued to disappoint when it really matters this season, both domestically and in Europe. Palace play the role of the underdog well and having beaten the Saints and Spurs already, they will fancy their chances of going all the way – and I do as well. United certainly have the edge in terms of quality but Palace are a stubborn opponent and have plenty of pace on the counter to cause them problems.
Crystal Palace 23/5 @ Marathonbet
