It sure promises to be an evening of thrills, as Manchester City battle lowly-rated Watford in the English FA Cup final this Saturday, a game many pundits believe is destined to give The Citizens a historic treble.
Indeed, City are on the verge of an impressive clean sweep – a first ever treble of League Cup, FA Cup and Premier League titles – which may just help ease the pain of their UEFA Champions League shortcomings.
However, they will have to watch Watford’s Spanish striker, Gerard Deulofeu, who helped The Hornets produce a remarkable recovery to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers after extra-time in their semi-final, having been 2-0 down with just 11 minutes to go.
Sent on as a substitute just after the hour, the former Barcelona of Spain ace produced a brilliant chip to reduce the deficit.
After The Hornets’ captain, Troy Deeney had equalised from a penalty deep into added time, Deulofeu then completed the turnaround with another composed finish, following a swift counter, to make it 3-2.
Another talking point is that Watford’s veteran Brazilian goalkeeper, Heurelho Gomes, who has started all five of their FA Cup ties, is bound to make his last appearance for the club on Saturday at Wembley.
The Hornets’ fans might just be praying for some divine intervention to aid the 38-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur stopper, so he can make history with his last game before hanging up his gloves.
City, though, can also rely on their in-form England forward, Raheem Sterling, who has enjoyed a stand-out campaign for club and country.
The 24-year-old winger was named Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year and then voted as 2019 Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association.
It would be recalled that Sterling converted the decisive spot-kick as City beat Chelsea on penalties to win the Carabao Cup final in February.
His 17 Premier League goals also helped Guardiola’s side secure the title – and another at Wembley this Saturday could seal a domestic treble.
However, City should remember what can happen when favourites line out with overconfidence at Wembley for the FA Cup final, as they must never forget Ben Watson’s late header for Wigan Athletic in 2013.
Roberto Mancini’s men were expected to make light work of a Wigan side, who spent the whole season battling against relegation and they eventually went down, not until they shocked City in the FA Cup final.
The Latics, who were led onto the pitch by their owner, Dave Whelan, a man with a 1960 FA Cup final story to tell, produced a major upset, after they took advantage of a late red card to Pablo Zabaleta.
Wigan eventually made their extra man count in stoppage time, when Watson, who had not long recovered from a broken leg, headed home a corner at the near post.
Nonetheless, the dice is cast, as The Citzens can become the first team to win a domestic treble of trophies in England if they beat Watford in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Manchester United and Liverpool have both won their own fair share of trebles, featuring one European title and two domestic trophies, but no English side has done the clean sweep of domestic silverware.
The race is now on for history to be made by Guardiola’s side, already with the EPL title and Carabao League Cup.
City are sure to be remembered forever with another first if they add the FA Cup to their haul of titles this season. Pundits and bookmakers, most fans as well, believe City do look good to clinch it at Wembley.
