Man City look to save season in FA Cup final

Saturday's FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace is the standout match in England in the coming days as Manchester City attempts to save a disappointing season by winning a major trophy, while Palace looks to produce and upset, which given the club's recent form, might not be as big a surprise as many may think.

Manchester City's Rico Lewis (L) vies with Luton Town's Tahith Chong during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Luton Town in Manchester, Britain, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua)

Ismaila Saar and Eberechi Eze will lead Palace's challenge against a City side that looked to be returning to form, only to be held to a 0-0 draw away to bottom of the table, Southampton last weekend, to raise doubts again and put qualification for next season's Champions League in doubt.

The most recent reference for a meeting between the pair was on April 12, with Palace racing into a 2-0 lead in Manchester before Pep Guardiola's side turned on the heat to win 5-2 with one of its best displays in recent weeks.

The Cup final will give several teams in the Premier League the chance to pile the pressure on City in the struggle to qualify for the Champions League, with two matches brought forward until Friday night to allow Tottenham and Manchester United to prepare for next week's Europa League title, which they will play in Bilbao

Tottenham visit sixth place Aston Villa who would move above City on Friday with a win at home to a Tottenham that needs to beat Manchester United to salvage a disastrous season.

It's hard to imagine Ange Postecoglou fielding his strongest team in Villa Park and even with the strongest 11 available, Spurs' league form has been dreadful this campaign.

Chelsea will also hope for an easy night at home to Manchester United that looks to have completely forgotten the league with four defeats and a draw in its last five Premier League matches.

United coach Ruben Amorim will probably play a mix of young players and those expected to start next Wednesday where a win would salvage the club's worst ever Premier League season with a spot in the Champions League.