Youth Cup final stokes fire for title rivals

THE rivalry that has defined this season is not exclusive to the Premier league and tonight Manchester City and liverpool’s junior teams will square up in an intriguing subplot. This is the first time the Fa youth Cup will be decided in a one-off game and the fact that it will be played at City’s Football academy adds spice for two clubs who keep ending up in each other’s way. ‘There is a rivalry, which is commonplace now,’ said liverpool head coach Barry lewtas. ‘City and liverpool top of the league... two big clubs and that does spread down to the academy as well. it is like this tie was meant to be, given everything else going on.’ With Chelsea, the dominant force in this competition in the last decade, eliminated by Manchester United in the third round, City, who are managed by former striker Gareth Taylor, will believe their time has come, having lost three consecutive finals from 2015 to 2017. They have a team packed with talent and one name that catches the eye is Tommy Doyle, the 17-year-old whose grandfathers were club royalty — Glyn Pardoe, who will be in the stands this evening, and the late Mike Doyle. ‘it’s been just brilliant watching Tommy and the team do so well,’ Pardoe said. ‘i’ll be there to watch the final — i can’t wait and i would be so chuffed if they win.’ liverpool are in the final for the first time since 2009 and the standout in their team is Bobby Duncan, the 17-year-old cousin of Steven Gerrard. Duncan’s story is particularly eye-catching, as he was once on City’s books. He joined liverpool on July 1 last year, having run his contract down at City. liverpool paid £200,000 in compensation for the livewire striker and he scored the only goal when the teams met in October. ‘you don’t want him to get caught up in the occasion,’ said lewtas. ‘We want him to play the football he has played so far this season. ‘There will certainly be a reminder to him and a few words, but he’s been here long enough now to be fine. it’ll be a little word in his ear and away we go.’

ONE BLUE TO WATCH...

ERIC GARCIA. Spanish defender joined City two years ago and is already a fixture in his country’s Under 17 team.

ONE RED TO WATCH...

PAUL GLATZEL. Born in England but eligible to play for Germany through his parents Paul and Julia. A striker and Liverpool’s captain.