4 factors to look out for in the 2018 FA cup final

Jose Mourinho is one of the most successful coaches of all time but the FA cup is not one of his lucky tournaments. In an otherwise glittering managerial career, Mourinho has won only 1 FA cup title. Even Manchester United, 12 time winners overall, have won only 1 FA cup title in the last 15 years.

Chelsea have done a lot better in recent times as they won 4 FA cups in 5 seasons from 2006-07 to 2011-12. However, they have not been able to win the tournament since 2012.

Therefore, both teams would be eager to win the oldest football tournament in the world when they lock horns at Wembley on 19th May. Moreover, neither team has managed to win any other trophy this season. So, this could be their last chance to make amends and win a silverware.

Here we take a look at 4 key aspects of the clash. These 4 points could prove to be crucial in determining the fate of the match-up.

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#1 Chelsea playing more directly

Chelsea's forward duo

Chelsea isn't likely to have many ball players in their starting line-up aside Eden Hazard. Both Cesc Fabregas and Pedro Rodriguez are past their respective primes and unlikely to find a place in the starting line-up.

Willian is capable of keeping possession but he is also likely to play as a wing forward and not in his preferred midfield.

Therefore, Chelsea should play more directly and build moves quickly. They should play a lot of aerial balls to the United penalty box.

Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata should pose considerable aerial threat to the United defenders. Both are tall and can head the ball very well.

Morata scored a fine goal against Southampton in the semifinal and would hope to have a repeat in the final. Although he might not start, the 25 year old Spanish striker could come in as a substitute and prove to be a game-changer for Chelsea. Morata’s 15 goals in 47 matches for Chelsea do not do justice to his talent and he will want to make amends.

All stats via transfermarkt

#2 Manchester United likely to keep more possession

Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba - Manutd midfield firepower

Chelsea’s weakness could be United’s strength. United have a very good midfield triumvirate of Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera and Nemanja Matic. All three are good passers and have the ability to dictate terms in the midfield.

Therefore, United should try to build moves slowly and play more passes in the midfield. It could be an antidote to Chelsea’s direct play.

Both Pogba and Herrera were brilliant in the semifinal match against Tottenham. Pogba’s perfect cross led to the first goal and Herrera scored another fine goal with a scorching shot from outside the box.

They would again look forward to dominate the midfield battle against Chelsea, play some crucial through balls and take more shots at the Chelsea goal.

#3 United’s brittle central defence and De Gea’s performance

DDG - Safe hands

United’s central defence does not ooze much confidence. Both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are big and strong defenders but they lack leadership on the pitch. They are not very reliable big-match performers either.

It wont be easy for them to cope with the physical threat of Giroud and Morata aswell as the speed and class of Hazard. They are likely to commit mistakes which could prove to be fatal for United.

However, De Gea has managed to keep 18 clean sheets this season for United and the club will again depend a lot on the 27 year old Spanish goalie.

De Gea would have to own the 6 yard box and not allow the Chelsea strikers to dominate in the air. His performance will certainly be crucial in deciding the outcome of the match.

#4 The Lukaku and Sanchez partnership

Sanchez and Lukaku - United firepower

Romelu Lukaku has had a decent first season at United, scoring 27 goals in 50 matches. He is a big and strong centre forward, capable of out-muscling the opposition defenders. Sanchez on the other hand, is nimble-footed and very agile. They complement each other very well and their combination could trouble Chelsea a lot.

Sanchez has been a proven performer for Barcelona and Arsenal. He is new to the United set-up but has plenty of big match experience. He also has the knack of dropping down to the midfield or moving to the wings during games.

Therefore, United should give him a free role and allow him to trouble the Chelsea defence at will. He is likely to play some vital one-twos with Lukaku to create holes in the Chelsea defence, this could be a crucial combo.