The first English domestic cup final of the season takes place this Sunday, March 2, with Manchester City and Sunderland vying to win the League Cup at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.
And while the match location maybe hundreds of miles away from the UAE, you may want to get yourself down to Zayed Sports City in the capital, where Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City will be broadcasting the match live outdoors.
In what promises to be a highly anticipated match between the two English Premier League (EPL) sides, the Blues are inviting supporters down to Football Pitch 1, from 17:15 (kick-off 18:00 UAE time) to witness the game.
During the match, complimentary food and drinks will be provided, so you go hungry or thirsty during the final.
And there’s even more reason to attend the match, as one lucky fan will walk away with a Manchester City jersey signed by coach Manuel Pellegrini.
The men from the Etihad will go into the game as firm favourites to win their first League Cup since 1976 with Sunderland struggling in the league but finding form in the Cup.
This season City have been impressive with Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and co firing the goals as they remain in contention to clinch an unprecedented quadruple of trophies.
City began their journey to Wembley by gaining revenge on Wigan Athletic in a 5-0 third round victory after they were stunned 1-0 by the Latics in the FA Cup final last May.
The Blues then came away with a 2-0 win at Newcastle with Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko on the scoresheet.
In the quarter-finals, City faced second division side Leicester City but it was the same outcome for Pellegrini’s men as Aleksander Kolarov and Dzeko’s brace sealed a 3-1 win.
Semi-finals of any tournament should be a difficult match for both sides but City ran amok against a poor West Ham team at the Etihad in the first leg as Negredo’s hattrick helped the home side take a big step to Wembley. It was only a matter of time before City booked their tickets to Wembley (officially) and the formalities were completed when Negredo netted twice to inspire his side to a 3-0 win in the second leg in at Upton Park.
Pellegrini will be delighted to have David Silva, Aguero, Toure and captain Vincent Kompany in his squad for the Sunderland game but, as with any final, anything can happen on the day and City will not want a repeat of May’s defeat to Wigan.
For a start, Sunderland will be no pushovers and will want to put on a good show.
After all, they stunned Chelsea 2-1 in the quarter-finals before claiming a thrilling penalty shootout win over Manchester United after the finished 3-3 on aggregate at Old Trafford in what proved to be a dramatic finale Sunderland coach Gus Poyet will not have squad depth as strong as his opposite number.
It promises to be an intriguing match and all football fans are urged to come down to the Zayed Sports City and show their support.
Before you make your trip, please make sure to confirm your attendance by mailing to skyblue@ mcfc.co.uk.
What: League Cup final between Manchester City and Sunderland.
When: Sunday, March 2 (18:00).
Where: Live broadcast at Zayed Sports City Football Pitch 1.
Complimentary food and drinks will be provided.
Information: Email your RSVP to [email protected]
