Man City favourites to end trophy drought
Much has been made this season of Arsenal's six-year silverware famine, yet it's nothing compared to the 35 years that Manchester City have been waiting, or the 29 top trophy-shy seasons that Stoke have endured, and one of those will finally end their drought at Wembley next month.
Both clubs overcame the odds to win their semi-final clashes, with Manchester City claiming their first significant victory over Manchester United since their 2008 takeover to end their neighbours treble bid and establish themselves as [1.42] FA Cup Final favourites.
But if that result, secured by Yaya Toure's second-half goal, raised the bar for Sunday's semi-finalists, Stoke responded to the challenge remarkably well, booking their place with a quite incredible 5-0 triumph over Bolton, who had lost by more than one goal just three times previously this campaign.
It will be the first time the Potters have ever participated in an FA Cup Final and the margin of the success will give them confidence that they can pull off another upset in May at [3.35] against a team that haven't beaten them in four meetings, and who they knocked out last season.
The win dramatically wiped out theories that Tony Pulis' side would fail to flourish on the big Wembley pitch, however while the Citizens have been defeated in four of their eight prior FA Cup Finals, Stoke will face a manager with a track record of glory in domestic knockout competitions.
Roberto Mancini's coaching career only started a decade ago but already he has landed four Coppa Italia trophies, at least one with each of his former employers - Fiorentina, Lazio and Inter.
Will Mancini continue that feat with Manchester City? Tell us below...
Published: 19 Apr 2011
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