Match Preview; Cup Final, Spurs v City (and yes, I will be there)

 

Match Preview; Cup Final, Spurs v City (and yes, I will be there)

Venue: Wembley at 4.30 pm on Sunday 25^th April

Yes, I will be there. I got my ticket. But what hoops I had and will have to jump through just to get that ticket. First, you have to fill out forms, then 24 hours before the game you've got to have a Lateral Flow test, and only then will you be allowed to enter the stadium.

A few of my friends will be going as well. Hopefully, we will meet up before the game for drinks/ food. A friend of mine (Mel) who lives in Bristol will have to pass my house to get to Wembley, so has kindly offered to give me a lift. So off we will be going at 12 noon, and I can't wait! If I had failed to get this ticket, then this would have been the first home Cup Final I would have missed on home soil in my lifetime. I had been to all the Cup finals from 1960/61 right through the 70s, 80s, 90s to the League cup in 2008.

The whole point of me setting up this blog was to record my travels with Spurs, home, away, and abroad. The last year or so – apart from one game – I had to record my observations from a computer screen. But at least I will be back in the land of the living now.

No live football, only me, myself and I to keep me company in this awful lockdown year. Including no gym or social interaction (apart from my Spurs WhatsApp group) and the occasional visits to the supermarket; it has been a mind-numb-blowing-depressing time.  Anyway, there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

So, on Sunday, young-wet-behind-the-ears Ryan Mason is going to lead out an experienced (but struggling) professional team against Pep Guardiola's trophy-winning-title-chasing-potential-Champions (good luck on that one, he'll need it). All because Mourinho wouldn't jump through Levy's hoops (the same happened to Pochettino). Both were starved of proper funds to take us to the next level.

On Wednesday night Ryan Mason was lucky to beat Southampton – just, with a penalty. But that doesn't mean we can't win on Sunday. Oh, no! With a dose of luck and the rub of the green and Bob's your uncle, we could pull a rabbit out of the hat and take Wembley by storm… or at least that is what I am hoping for. And the same applies for the rest of the season, otherwise, we will nose dive outside the Champions Cup and Europa League area. And this is me being optimistic.

News for Sunday's Cup Final

Manchester City could have Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero available as they look to win the Carabao Cup for a record-equalling eighth time. De Bruyne picked up an ankle injury in the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea last week, while Argentina striker Aguero has not played for five matches. Both have trained and are available.

John Stones is suspended following his red card on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola's side have won the last three finals and five of the last seven. We, on the other hand, last won a trophy in 2008.

As for whether Harry will be donning a Spurs shirt for that match, well, he will be monitored right up to the cut off deadline to announce team selection. As you all know, Kane missed the midweek win over Southampton with an ankle injury.

"Kane didn't train with the team today (Friday), but we'll have more of an idea tomorrow to see if we can get him back on the pitch," Mason said.

Son will start and is expected to be supported by Gareth Bale, who once again impressed in a rare outing. Dele Alli remains short of match fitness but will hope to come off the bench, meaning Giovani Lo Celso should keep his place in midfield. In defence, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier were not the most reassuring against Southampton, with Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon pushing for minutes.

My thoughts and Prediction

What is in our favour is that City have their first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris St-Germain next week. Guardiola, I am sure, will have his thoughts on the more important Champions League competition (at least I hope so).

Even by this week's hectic standards, we have been busy, sacking Jose Mourinho on Monday in the midst of the Super League fiasco.

We have had a good preparation for our trip to Wembley, with Jose Mourinho out and boyhood fan and former player Ryan Mason winning his first game in charge. Meanwhile, Manchester City lost the FA Cup semi-final before beating Aston Villa but conceded after 20 seconds and saw John Stones sent off.

City have experience on the pitch and in the dugout. Harry Kane's involvement – if he plays - will be essential.

I do have a gut feel that we will lift the trophy and not City when the final whistle goes. Call me mad, but I am going for a 2-1 win (but I will keep my fingers crossed).

I can't wait to get there… all it leaves me now is to have that test tomorrow (Saturday), get the all-clear, and have a nervous 24 hours wait for kick-off.

Has your eye's seen the Glory? If yes (or even no) click HERE and follow the link, then they will and for those that are longer in the tooth.... be prepared to be dazzled all over again!

Best regards, Glenn