Tonight should see an extra special ovation greet the teams as they walk out onto the pitch. Hopefully that will inspire Roberto Mancini’s side in a game that has gained extra significance following Arsenal’s defeat to Villa.
There are two clear advantages to finishing third. Qualifying directly for the Champions League group stages rather than having to play a qualifier where City might not be seeded is the obvious one. The second is that payments for partaking in the competition are higher for the team that finishes third.
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City won the 2011 FA Cup courtesy of a 75th minute strike by Yaya Toure. Regardless of what happens in the future this was a historic victory for the club as, for the first time in a generation, a City captain lifted a piece of major silverware.
All the players contributed in a thoroughly professional team performance of which Roberto Mancini could be proud. There may have been few clear-cut chances and only the one goal, but this was an assured display far removed from our usual travails against Tony Pulis’ side.
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Hart – Joe was out quick and stood up well to make his one key save of the match against Jones. Elsewhere his judgement was excellent on when to come for crosses. 7
Richards – Pushed up and kept a half-fit Etherington on the back foot throughout. Did his share of winning the aerial battles too. 7
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Thirty years after our last FA Cup Final, Roberto Mancini has guided us back to Wembley to take on Stoke for that most elusive of items – silverware. The excitement amongst City fans is at it’s greatest for a generation.
After securing a top four place with Tuesday’s win over Tottenham, all our energy and focus can safely be channelled to defeating Stoke. It won’t be easy.
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