The second FA Cup semi-final of the weekend sees second-tier Coventry take on a vulnerable behemoth in Manchester United.
Mark Robins has worked wonders at Coventry and the Sky Blues came ever so close to returning to the Premier League last season. Robins’ men were beaten on penalties by Luton Town in the play-off final, and they’re on the fringes of another play-off berth this time around.
Back-to-back defeats leading into Sunday’s game has hindered their charge, however, with Coventry perhaps having one eye on their first FA Cup semi-final since they last won the competition in 1987.
United, on the contrary, are very much familiar with occasions such as these. Erik ten Hag has enjoyed himself in domestic cup competitions since arriving in England, and FA Cup success could salvage what’s been a disappointing year two in Manchester.
Premier League indifference means a Champions League berth for 2024/25 is unlikely, and INEOS’ arrival does render Ten Hag’s position precarious given how poorly United have often appeared tactically.
Here’s our preview of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Coventry vs Man Utd H2H record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Coventry |
Man Utd |
|---|---|
|
Birmingham 3-0 Coventry – 13/04/24 |
Bournemouth 2-2 Man Utd – 13/04/24 |
|
Southampton 2-1 Coventry – 09/04/24 |
Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool – 07/04/24 |
|
Coventry 2-1 Leeds – 06/04/24 |
Chelsea 4-3 Man Utd – 04/03/24 |
|
Coventry 1-2 Cardiff – 01/04/24 |
Brentford 1-1 Man Utd – 30/03/24 |
|
Huddersfield 1-3 Coventry – 29/03/24 |
Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool – 17/03/24 |
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
ITV 1 UK, ITVX, STV Player, STV Scotland |
|
United States |
ESPN+ |
|
Canada |
Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet Now, Sportsnet Now Plus, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet World |
The Championship side are coping well on the injury front. Robins is only expected to be without Tatsuhiro Sakamoto, who’s out for the rest of the season with a back injury.
Sunday’s semi-final has come too soon for Jamie Allen, who’s nursing a broken cheekbone.
Coventry predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Collins; Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell; Sheaf, Eccles; Van Ewijk, Palmer, Wright; Simms.
There were concerns over Harry Maguire’s status for this one, with the defender missing training earlier in the week. Maguire reportedly suffered a thigh injury during the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth last weekend, but he’s expected to be available on Sunday.
Ten Hag is likely to be without Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans, however, so teenager Willy Kambwala could keep his place alongside Maguire. Lisandro Martinez will return next month.
The boss has also confirmed that he expects both Antony and Scott McTominay back in the squad after recent issues.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Coventry (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Kambwala, Maguire, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
These two sides each prevailed in thrilling quarter-finals, and chaos is always around the corner with this Man Utd team.
Many will fancy Coventry to scare the Premier League side on Sunday, and Robins will certainly conjure up a plan which will see the Sky Blues exploit United’s distinct flaws.
There’s no doubt that the Red Devils’ deficiencies will render this a competitive cup tie, with Coventry unlikely to be overawed by the occasion given their play-off final exploits last season. This has the makings of an exciting game which threatens a notable upset, but United will just about find a way.
Prediction: Coventry 1-2 Man Utd
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