The FA Cup’s D-Day has arrived, as Crystal Palace lock horns with Manchester United in a bid to lift the world’s oldest domestic cup competition. United are seeking to win the coveted prize for the 12th time, whereas Alan Pardew’s Eagles are looking to put a disappointing Premier League campaign behind them by lifting the cup for the very first time in their history.
Crystal Palace had a dream start to the season collecting 31 points in 19 Premier League games. That form suggested that the Eagles were with a chance to compete for one of the Europa League places. However, an abrupt dip in fortunes saw them garner just two wins and a total of 11 points in 2016.
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Injuries, suspensions and the lack of goals from the likes of Connor Wickham and Emmanuel Adebayor have been their Achilles heel right through the calendar year. So terrible was their form that they needed a win against the Potters in their penultimate league fixture to assure themselves of maintaining their Premier League status.
Despite their league troubles, they have somehow managed to come out trumps in the FA Cup ties, overhauling Premier League opposition in all but one (Reading, quarter-final) of their games in this competition. They seem to have graced the romance of the FA Cup – pulling off results against the script to give them the opportunity to lift the trophy above their heads if they manage to upset Louis van Gaal’s side.
Also read: FA Cup: Clubs with most appearances in finals
This final brings back vivid memories for Alan Pardew himself. He was part of the squad which lost to United in the 1990 FA Cup final. Twenty-six years later, in Palace’s second appearance in the final against the same opposition, the 54-year old will hope he inspires his side to victory – this time from the dugout, rather than on the pitch.
Scott Dann’s return to the starting line-up will give them some solidity in defence while the pacy runs of Yannick Bolasie and the work-ethic of Jason Puncheon provides them with some substance up the field. Can Palace click as a unit and put Manchester United on the backfoot on Saturday?
Manchester United will feature in the Europa League next season after an inferior goal-difference saw them finish behind Manchester City (in fourth place) despite being level on points with their city rivals.
Louis van Gaal admitted in his end-of-season speech to the fans that it was a step backwards for the club, but assured them that he would bring the FA Cup to Old Trafford. With Jose Mourinho widely reported to be taking over the reigns at Manchester United should Louis van Gaal get the sack, it is absolutely imperative that the Dutchman plays his cards right on Saturday and guides his side to silverware.
Injuries to a number of key players at once, possession-based style of play and Van Gaal’s occasionally bizarre player positioning have led to United’s lack of success this season. His tendency to over-complicate matters have often backfired and fans have often made their displeasure known to the 64-year old. He must win back their trust if he wishes to see out the entirety of his three-year contract he penned in 2014. Will an FA Cup success be the start of a successful period for the club?
One thing fans cannot argue against is van Gaal’s desire to promote youth players to the senior level. As many as 14 academy graduates have been given debuts by him in his two seasons in charge.
The likes of Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Timothy Fosu-Mensah have all shone under van Gaal’s purview at the helm and he hopes that his teenagers deliver the goods in the FA Cup this Saturday.
The future is shining for these United youngsters, but how bright is van Gaal’s future at the club ? It all probably hinges on this one game.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United, 2015-16 FA Cup: Live streaming details
Channel : AXN, AXN HD
Live streaming: Sony Liv
Date: Saturday, 21 May
Time: 2200 IST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
