The 2021 FA Cup Final has greater significance than any in recent times, but not primarily for football reasons. All being well, 20,000 supporters will file along Wembley Way on May 15th as the showpiece fixture acts as the most prominent trial run in the reintroduction of live events across the UK. Eight teams remain in with a shout of lifting the trophy in front of the lucky fans in attendance but which of the eight needs the famous old trophy most?
Bournemouth vs Southampton – 12:15pm Saturday (BT Sport)
Bournemouth, the sole remaining representative of the football league, have a free hit this weekend. The Cherries’ overwhelming priority is securing a Championship playoff spot and reversing an alarming slump in league form. Bournemouth supporters would delight in victory over their South Coast rivals but all of the pressure lies on their struggling top-flight opponents.
Southampton travel up the A35 needing a morale-boosting victory to prevent unrest turning to anger amongst their followers. Premier League survival has disappointingly become the Saints’ primary concern but a defeat to a lower-league local rival would be another body blow to confidence at St Mary’s. Lifting the cup would be a hugely welcome surprise for either set of South Coast supporters, but for Southampton and Ralph Hassenhuttl the stakes on Saturday are far higher.
Everton vs Man City – Saturday 17:30pm (BT Sport)
An FA Cup triumph would be a monumental milestone for Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees. Unfortunately, they face an almost immovable obstacle at Goodison Park on Saturday evening. Everton don’t need to win the competition, nobody will be questioning the boss if they are eliminated by all-conquering Manchester City, but the first piece of silverware for the blue half of Merseyside since 1995 would be enormously welcome.
For City, every stage prior to the final is merely an obligation to be fulfilled on the mission for total domination. The Premier League is all but won, the League Cup final awaits but all eyes are now on a Champions League quarter final with Dortmund. Pep Guardiola will expect to lift the FA Cup come May but if he had to fail in any competition this season he would likely sacrifice this one.
Chelsea vs Sheffield United – Sunday 13:30pm (BBC One)
FA Cup glory would be huge for Thomas Tuchel and he has the perfect opportunity to move one step closer this weekend. Fresh of the back of European triumph the sense of optimism around Stamford Bridge is palpable. The Champions League is the obvious top priority but a cup win would certainly do Tuchel no harm whatsoever.
For Sheffield United, the odds are slim. Form suggests a comfortable home win but the Blades, like Bournemouth, can at least play with total freedom. Expectations are low but stranger things have happened in the cup.
Leicester vs Man United – Sunday 17:30 (BBC One)
3rd and 2nd in the Premier League face up at the King Power with glory within reach. Modern football dictates that Champions League qualification must take the top spot on either agenda. For supporters, though, nothing will ever replace the feeling of winning. Leicester have firmly established themselves within the English footballing elite and an FA Cup would further bolster their status, as well as the CV of Brendan Rodgers.
For Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and United, trophies are part of the DNA but fans have not tasted success since the 2017 Europa League. After grinding out a victory over AC Milan in midweek, the Old Trafford giants have two realistic routes to triumph this season. Victory in either would give their manager a sense of validation for the work he has done in settling the ship over the last couple of seasons.
So, as we reach the last eight, Man City undoubtedly remain favourites for the FA Cup. The luxury of winning experience and a lack of necessity, as well as an outrageously talented squad, gives them edge over the rest of the runners. That said, should Everton manage an upset this weekend, the fight for the FA Cup will leave seven clubs and seven sets of supporters who would love nothing more than celebrating in person at Wembley on May 15th.
