FA Cup Final v Watford - Pre Match Thread

[The Black Shed]

Media successfully unleashed their FA Cup Final distraction.

It's working!
Does anybody think Foden will get a start? Watford are pretty robust so maybe not ideal for him unless coming on as a late sub

 

[BucksBlue]

Pep is very keen to add this trophy to his CV such is the respect he has for this cup competition and the wider game. Expect our focused, committed and business-like approach by all from the first second.
That's what trophy winners do!

 

[Gremlin]

Did anyone else spot this:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/48302094

Did he design the training tops as well? If so, he needs shooting!

 

[Ardwick Green Blue]

So....the FA Cup Final...

I think there are two reasons why there are so few comments. Certainly the FFP thread is somewhat busy but I also think that we are all very relaxed about it. That's not saying we are guaranteed to win but the fact that we have the big one in the bag takes the pressure off hugely.

I am quietly confident, mind..

 

[uwe rosler 28]

Is there a press confrence day?

 

[Meatbag]

Is there a press confrence day?

If there is I’m expecting 1% of questions about the match and 99% FFP.

 

[kaz7]

Is there a press confrence day?

The day before every game for years,keep up!

 

[pavelsrnicek]

Maybe it’s the years supporting City, maybe it’s memories of Wigan but I’m never happy when we’re down as overwhelming favourites.

Thing is Watford are a decent side, yes we won both matches against them but in both we were comfortable and then suddenly they clicked.

In the first game a Delph cock up in Vicarage Road brought them into it so we ended up hanging on. In the second they brought Deeney on at the Etihad, they scored and we were uncomfortable until the end. That’s not forgetting we only went in front by an offside goal.

Tomorrow will get a very tough game against a dogged, physical and well coached side. They came from 2-0 in the semi final so they won’t be wanting for self belief. This is their one chance this season so they’ll be very hungry.

We are better than they are so if we can fire for one more match we’ll win. What we don’t know is whether our team will play at its best now the pressure is off after winning the league. Will the players play with the same intensity but free from pressure or will they have relaxed after the celebrations on Sunday? Pep will no doubt insist on the former so fingers crossed he gets it.

2 other things come to mind- firstly Watford have never won anything of significance so with Elton John leading them out the same week as his movie premiere there’ll be lots of narrative around that.

Secondly no one knows what effect, if any, the NYT/FFP/UEFA nonsense will have on the players. Maybe none maybe it will be a factor. The Mancini sacking certainly seemed to get a factor 6 years ago, yes that was far closer to home for the players but hopefully it won’t influence tomorrow’s match the same way it’s influenced the build up.

We should win but how often has this wonderful club the unexpected, even in winning!

 

[kaz7]

I'm going to watch it on the beeb and hope Danny Murphy is doing the commentary or in the studio,he has gone missing since sunday

 

[St.Pauli support]

Go for the treble, Pep!