Coventry vs Man Utd predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable line-ups | OneFootball

37 years after their most famous victory, Coventry return to Wembley to take on Manchester United in this year’s FA Cup semi-final.

The Sky Blues lifted the trophy in 1987 but have had some tough times since then, falling all the way to League Two and moving out of Coventry for a period of time before rising up the leagues again under former Manchester United player Mark Robins.

Now, the Championship side are one game away from becoming the first team from the second tier to reach the FA Cup final since 2008.

Robins on ‘special’ draw

As a player, Robins came through the academy at Manchester United and scored several crucial goals for the Red Devils, including one against Nottingham Forest in January 1990 that reportedly kept Sir Alex Ferguson in a job.

Robins has called facing his former club at Wembley’ special’ but made it clear that his complete focus is now on his Coventry side getting a result.

“It’s at Wembley. It’s a brilliant occasion. We’ve got to come up with a plan that’s going to give us an opportunity to compete in the game and see where it takes us. If you look at the teams left, to be in the cup at this stage with the top clubs is an achievement in itself.”

The Sky Blues manager has taken his club to Wembley three times before, winning the EFL Trophy in 2017 and the League Two play-off final a year later.

Coventry did suffer heartache underneath the arch last season however, losing out on a place in the Premier League on penalty kicks after falling short in the Championship play-off final against Luton.

Robins will be looking to get one over on his former team, who have struggled in recent months.

The pressure is mounting on Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag after a disappointing campaign, and winning the FA Cup is likely to be the main aim for the rest of the season.

Coventry vs Man Utd team news

Manchester United have a considerable injury list for this clash, particularly in defence.

Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane are all expected to miss out through injury, while veteran central defender Jonny Evans is also a major doubt.

That constitutes a full blown defensive injury crisis and the Red Devils have struggled to keep their opponents out as a result.

Anthony Martial won’t feature thanks to a groin injury, while Scott McTominay and Anthony face late fitness tests.