This Saturday's FA Cup final promises to be a riveting encounter as Manchester City, hot on the heels of their Premier League triumph, face off against their city rivals, Manchester United, at the iconic Wembley Stadium. A momentous occasion, this face-off marks the first time the two Manchester Titans meet in the FA Cup final in the tournament's 151-year history. City, poised to claim a treble with FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals in the offing, will encounter United - the only English club to have achieved this impressive feat in the '98-'99 season. As United strives to prevent City from repeating their accomplishment, expect a pulsating contest that could echo throughout the annals of football history.
As a nod to this historic event, the FA Cup trophy carries the engraving "Manchester" for the first time, highlighting the significance of this encounter.
Key Absences
Amidst the jubilation surrounding the final, some players will miss out due to injury. United will have to navigate without Anthony Martial due to a hamstring problem, in addition to Antony and Lisandro Martinez. Manchester City, in contrast, wrestles with the uncertainty of four primary team players – Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Jack Grealish – making it to the starting lineup following their absence in the Premier League finale.
Ones to Watch
Despite these absences, the match promises a scintillating showdown with an impressive roster from both teams, ranked among Forbes' top five most valuable clubs. Keep your eyes on the likes of Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bruno Fernandes. The following six players, however, could potentially leave an indelible mark on the match:
1. Ilkay Gündoğan (Manchester City):
Despite contract uncertainties, City's captain has maintained his top form. Gundogan's critical midfield presence becomes even more important if De Bruyne is unfit. Available for 9.5 credits, he features in only one-third of fantasy squads.
2. Christian Eriksen (Manchester United):
With a desire to clinch his second English football trophy, Eriksen's experience and skills could be a game-changer for United. He could be a fantastic addition to your fantasy team at 7.6 credits and currently sits in only 7% of squads.
3. Julián Álvarez (Manchester City):
Despite being a Premier League rookie, Álvarez has been a key player in City's FA Cup run. He could be a surprise package in the final and a tempting fantasy option at 11.7 credits, with only 20% ownership.
4. Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United):
This young Argentinian talent could potentially outshine Rashford in the final. With Antony injured and Sancho out of form, Garnacho's wing play could be decisive. He is a hidden gem, featuring in less than 1% of fantasy squads and available for 9.3 credits.
5. Kyle Walker (Manchester City):
With injury concerns surrounding Akanji and Ruben Dias, City will rely on Walker's defensive skills. Despite being 33, Walker's speed remains unmatched and his experience invaluable. Featured in 93% of fantasy squads, he has priced at a bargain 5.2 credits.
6. Victor Lindelöf (Manchester United):
Lindelof has been a robust replacement for injured Lisandro Martinez. His performance in the final could be crucial for United. With a 40% selection rate among fantasy managers, he is a steal at just 4.6 credits.
What's Next?
Get ready to join the excitement in the 'Grand Finale Gala' exclusively crafted for the final showdown! Compete and stand a chance to win from a phenomenal prize pool of 136,500 $KRIDA tokens. The top winner will take home a whopping 10,000 $KRIDA tokens. Keep following us for more thrilling updates and events!
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