City are back at Wembley, and hoping to win the FA Cup (with Budweiser!) to add some silverware for the 3rd consecutive season. Still can't believe I have just typed that sentence; never would have imagined that possible even 4 or 5 years ago.
Anyways, on to the lineups:
TEAM NEWS: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany (c), Nastasic, Clichy, Yaya Toure, Barry, Nasri, Silva, Tevez, Aguero
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) May 11, 2013
#wafc starting XI for the FA Cup final! Robles, Kone, Alcaraz, McCarthy, Maloney, Gomez, McManaman, McArthur, Boyce, Espinoza, Scharner
— Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) May 11, 2013
Big surprise in net, with Joe Hart getting the start over Costel Pantilimon, who by all accounts was the expected starter as he has been throughout this cup run. Perhaps his comments a few days ago about not returning to City next season made Mancini not see any reason to start him now? In any case, the rest of the lineup is as expected, with the only real battle for a starting position coming between Samir Nasri and James Milner, with the Frenchman just edging it out. Wigan have fielded their strongest lineup and should come out with energy and intent.
Word is that City fans have about 2/3 of Wembley today, so the support should be strong. Here's to a performance to match it!
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