Coventry City meet Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the second semi-final of 2023-24 FA Cup.
Victory would see Coventry reach only their second FA Cup Final and first since winning this competition in 1987.
Man Utd meanwhile are seeking consecutive FA Cup Final appearances at Wembley Stadium since a run of three such outings between 1994-96, although they since reached consecutive FA Cup Finals in 2003-04 & 04-05 seasons in Cardiff.
Team News
Kasey Palmer is suspended for Coventry after he picked up his second booking in this season’s competition during their Quarter-Final victory at Wolves.
Jamie Allen (muscle/cheekbone) could return but Tatsuhiro Sakamoto (back) remains absent.
Man Utd could have defender, Harry Maguire available despite having suffered a minor thigh injury in their comeback 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
Scott McTominay (knee) and Antony (muscle) could be available for selection if pass late fitness checks.
Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw (all muscle), Lisandro Martinez (calf), Victor Lindelöf (hamstring), Tyrell Malacia (knee) and Anthony Martial (groin) remain sidelined.
When is Kick-Off?
Coventry face Man Utd at Wembley Stadium, London, on Sunday 21 April at 3:30pm BST, live on ITV1 in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Coventry have won one of six previous FA Cup meetings against Man Utd across five previous ties (W1, D1, L4).
- Man Utd have won all three ties against Coventry when they played as the ‘away team’ (W3).
- Both teams have scored in five of their six previous FA Cup meetings – except for a 1-0 away win for Coventry in their recent clash in this competition in January 1987.
- Ellis Simms has scored five goals in Coventry’s last two FA Cup matches (W2).
- Man Utd have won one of their last five FA Cup matches played at Wembley Stadium (W1, D1, L3).
Prediction
With their Championship Play-Offs ambitions now all but over, Coventry are in an unique situation where they can throw the kitchen sink at this game and show their energetic attacking flair, of which even Wolves couldn’t cope with in the last round.
As for Man Utd since their Quarter-Final win over Liverpool last month, they are winless and without any clean sheets which shows how vulnerable their defence can be as Bournemouth proved with a dominant attacking effort despite United fighting back twice.
This competition also represents last chance saloon for Erik ten Hag who realistically needs to win the title amidst scrutiny over his future, meaning that this is a chance for the Utd players to step up for him because defeat would be embarrassing.
Coventry though have no real pressures upon them and after the FA’s announcement concerning changes from next season, they will have the neutrals’ support as underdogs which should motivate them further because Utd are there for the taking at the back.
I however do feel that Man Utd will have too much but if Coventry can score first despite their recent dip in form, we just might see a cupset brewing.
Prediction: Coventry 1-2 Manchester United
Result: Coventry 3-3 Manchester United (Man Utd win 4-2 on penalties)
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