When is the FA Cup final, what time does it start, who will play in it and where can I watch it?
Everything you need to know about the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Crystal Palace
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Your support makes all the difference.Crystal Palace’s victory over Watford on Sunday booked them a return trip to Wembley, where they will reconvene to face Manchester United on Saturday, 21 May. Headers from Yannick Bolasie and Connor Wickham ensured a repeat of the 1990 showpiece – Crystal Palace’s only previous appearance in an FA Cup final.
Current Eagles manager Alan Pardew played in that match 26 years ago, which United won 1-0 in a replay after a 3-3 draw in the original encounter. Ian Wright scored twice – the second giving the Eagles the lead in extra-time – in the first match, as Mark Hughes struck twice for United, while Lee Martin’s goal was enough in the replay to give Sir Alex Ferguson the first of many trophies at Old Trafford.
United shaded this season’s league meetings, drawing 0-0 at Selhurst Park in October before beating them 2-0 at Old Trafford just last week. Palace will have to upset the formbook if they are to lift the trophy next month – they have beaten United just once in their last 20 meetings – a 2-1 League Cup win at Old Trafford in 2011.
Their league form also hardly inspires confidence, having won just once since Christmas and dropping down the table, while United still entertain hopes of finishing in the Champions League positions, having won six of their last seven matches.
United’s appearance in this season’s final – their first since 2007, when they lost to Chelsea - equals Arsenal’s record of 19, while Louis van Gaal’s side can also level Arsenal’s record of 12 victories should they prevail against Palace next month.
The kick-off time for the final has yet to be confirmed but is expected to be an evening start to appease television audiences – the match being shown on both the BBC and BT Sport. The last four FA Cup finals have kicked off at 5pm or later, including last season’s at 5.30pm, in which Arsenal beat Aston Villa 4-0.
Arsene Wenger’s side had their defence of the trophy ended at the sixth round stage this season, beaten 2-1 at the Emirates by Watford last month. Referee and kit colours are expected to be announced within the next fortnight.
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