How the FA Cup nalists match up

Key battles Key strategies CRYSTAL PALACE MANCHESTER UNITED Crystal Palace Man United Scott Dann v Marcus Rashford Essentially a counter-attacking Dominating possession has been Liverpool fan Dann has a particular motivation to stop United winning. First, however, the reliable centre-back must halt side, with powerful and quick a key trait of Louis van Gaal’s the prodigy Rashford, whose senior career is not yet three months old but is already in England’s provisional Euro 2016 players like Wilfried Zaha, Yannick United, even at the cost of squad. The teenager allies pace and nishing ability with a genuine understanding of the game. Bolasie and Jason Puncheon blunting their once-scintillating well-suited to this tactic. Zaha attack. The Red Devils will look to and Bolasie will usually be given swing the ball either to their wide free roles to run at the defence players or into the box, where on either wing, while Puncheon Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and and Yohan Cabaye are vital in Wayne Rooney will look to cut in Mile Jedinak v Wayne Rooney delivering the ball from deep to and support Marcus Rashford in Captains in a battle to dominate the mid eld. The forceful the pacy duo. plundering the goals. Jedinak has fought his way back into Alan Pardew’s plans and was outstanding in the semi- nal win over Watford. Rooney has been relocated and was terri c in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Key statistics Bournemouth, scoring one goal and playing a part in two more. He will look to create.

Wilfried Cameron 11 44 Zaha v Borthwick- Jackson Man United have won the FA Cup 11 Crystal Palace could become the times – only Arsenal (12) have won 44th club to win the Cup. Two with little it more often. experience for United. Zaha was Alex Ferguson’s last signing but was only 1 3 granted 28 minutes’ league football. Back at Only one English manager has won Louis van Gaal has won the main his rst club, his the FA Cup since 1995 – domestic Cup in three other trickery should Portsmouth’s Harry Redknapp in countries – Netherlands, Spain and present a test for 2008. Germany. the precocious 19-year-old Borthwick-Jackson, who is set to 3-3 make just the 519 10th start of his career. It Only 2 FA Cup nals have ever promises to be a ended 3-3 – and Alan Pardew has Wayne Rooney has made the most high-speed duel. been involved in both, as a Palace appearances (519) among United player in 1990 and West Ham’s players who have never won the manager in 2006. FA Cup. Photos: ACTION IMAGES, AFP, EPA, REUTERS Text: RICHARD JOLLY, CHIA HAN KEONG STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS