Sky Blues win ‘written in stars’ says pundit
CHRIS Sutton and Harry Redknapp are expecting a close contest when Manchester United and Coventry City face off in the FA Cup semifinals this afternoon.
Erik ten Hag’s side face the Championship promotion hopefuls at Wembley in what is United’s last chance of achieving silverware this season after exits from both the League Cup and Champions League.
The Sky Blues, fresh from a late turnaround against Wolverhampton Wanderers in last month’s quarterfinal, will have their sights set on a first FA Cup final appearance since 1987 and have genuine hopes of dumping United out of the cup after a string of below-par performances at Old Trafford in recent weeks.
Sutton believes Mark Robins will get one over his former side. In his BBC Sport predictions column, he wrote: “Coventry are not in the greatest form in the Championship, with three defeats in their past four games, but I am a romantic at heart and I believe in fairytales too. It is written in the stars that Sky Blues boss Mark Robins wins this tie, against his former club.
“My old Norwich team-mate famously scored an FA Cup thirdround winner for Manchester United in 1990 that saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job, but now I think he will push Erik ten Hag closer to the exit door.”
He added: “So, let me dream a little here. I’ve got great memories of the 1987 final, when Keith Houchen’s diving header helped Coventry upset Tottenham and lift the FA Cup, and what a day it would be for them if they win. Coventry City 2-1 Manchester United. “
Redknapp, on the other hand, is expecting Ten Hag’s side to book their place in next month’s final but insists it will be anything but straightforward for the Reds.
Previewing the game for Betvictor, he wrote: “I’m looking forward to this one, it’s great to see Coventry back at Wembley in a big game. I still remember that final against Tottenham in 1987, what a game that was!
“They’ve had a good season, but it looks like they’ll just miss out on the play-offs. Mark Robins has done a fantastic job here down the years though and obviously has some history with Manchester United!
“United’s season all boils down to this – it’s massive for them and for Erik ten Hag. They’ve been really poor in recent weeks and the pressure will be on them here, most people expect them to get the job done. Don’t underestimate Coventry in this one, they are a decent side and it’s the FA Cup at Wembley, strange things can happen!”