Event of the Day: FA Cup Final

Our event of the day is the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London. This is the last opportunity for both clubs to win some silverware this season. Both sides exited the Champions League at the last 16 stage of the tournament, while Manchester City dominated the remaining domestic competitions - the Premier League and the League Cup. If they win today, United will equal Arsenal’s record of 13 FA Cup triumphs, the Red Devils last won the trophy in 2016. The Blues have been victorious seven times, including four trophies in just six seasons between 2007 and 2012. 

Manchester United have had a strong FA Cup run, conceding only once on their way to the final – in a 2-1 win over Tottenham in the semi-finals. Chelsea struggled in the third round to beat Norwich as they squeezed through after a replay and a 5-3 win on penalties. Later on, they beat Leicester City (2-1 after extra time in their quarter-final) and Southampton (2-0 in the Wembley semi-final). A Blues’ win today could help manager Antonio Conte keep his job as he’s under pressure to deliver after the club finished fifth in the league and missed out on Champions League qualification. United got the better of Chelsea 4-0 in the 1994 final, while the West London side won the trophy by beating United 1-0 after extra time in 2007. Red Devils’ striker Romelu Lukaku is a doubt for the clash with his old club, while last season’s winners with Arsenal, Alexis Sánchez of United and Olivier Giroud of Chelsea, should both lead their sides’ attacks. It’s going to be a great showdown at Wembley in the 137th FA Cup final.

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the Aviva Premiership Rugby semi-final between Saracens and Wasps at Allianz Park in London. Saracens finished the regular season in second spot with 77 points, six more than third-placed Wasps. In the second semi-final, Exeter Chiefs take on Newcastle Falcons at Sandy Park in Exeter. It’s Day 7 of the ATP World Tour and Day 6 of the WTA World Tour Internazionali BNL d’Italia at the Foro Italico in Rome. In the Pakistan cricket Tour, it’s the first day of the clash between Leicestershire and the Pakistanis at Grace Road in Leicester. Additionally in cricket, there is a North Group clash between Worcestershire and Derbyshire at the County Ground in Worcester, in the Royal London One Day Cup. In the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s Game 5 of the series between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. Meanwhile, the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals continue with Game 3 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. It’s the third day of the European Tour’s Belgian Knockout at the Rinkven International Golf Club in Schilde. At the 2018 Giro d’Italia, the 186km long Stage 14 takes place between San Vito al Tagliamento and Monte Zoncolan.

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

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