Sorare FA Cup football preview: Manchester City vs Sheffield United

Sheffield United face the daunting task of taking on treble-chasing Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

City saw off Bayern Munich over two legs on Wednesday night to book their place in the last four of the Champions League, are closing the gap on Arsenal in the league and will fancy themselves to deal with the Blades to book another date at Wembley.

On paper, it should be a runaway victory for the Citizens but it remains to be seen how they deal with the short turnaround following their European exploits, while Sheffield United are closing the gap on a return to the Premier League and should not be taken lightly.

The game will be part of Gameweek 365 on Sorare Football, and 101 Great Goals has broken down the key statistical takeaways ahead of the game.

*Please note that due to licensing issues, there is very limited availability for Sheffield United players on Sorare*

Manchester City Sorare L5 stat pack

Manchester City’s top performers over their last five matches

Three Manchester City Sorare gems to watch

Riyad Mahrez

Jack Grealish has been the City winger ripping it up in recent weeks with his dribbling and creativity finally finding its place in Pep Guardiola’s plans, but at this stage his form is well known and recognised throughout the league and will be a costly addition to your side. Mahrez is someone who is likely to get a chance after not playing in the Champions League trip to Munich, and has two goals and one assist in the FA Cup so far this year so is almost certain to start on Saturday.

With an L5 of 60 he remains a good scorer, but his lack of gametime in recent weeks - he has played just 60% of City’s last five matches - mean that he could be a differential for your side this weekend.

John Stones

Stones has been a revelation for City ever since moving into his hybrid defensive/midfield role. For a player who has often been part of the rotation policy at the Etihad, he has found himself indispensable in recent weeks, appearing in 100% of their last five matches as City have gone from one strength to another. The game at Wembley could potentially be one in which he is rested, but at this stage of the season, you’d expect Guardiola to want to keep the momentum going and as Stones has been such a crucial part of that, he could be one player to remain.

His recent scores have been solid rather than spectacular at 52 as an L5 score, bit with scores of 80 and 75 in two of his last three games, that score is bound to shoot up before long.

Manuel Akanji

Akanji hasn’t quite been the revelation of late as Stones, but his importance has not been in question all season. Having featured in 90% of City’s last 40 games, he is a reliable fixture in the side and if you are after a solid City pick - he is your man.

His L5 score of 43 has been lowered by a low of 20 against Bayern on Wednesday, but that was in large part to the questionable handball given against him in the second half.

Manchester City most recent line-up, Sorare scores and team news

There were no obvious injury issues to come out of the Bayern Munich draw midweek, leaving Pep Guardiola with a plethora of options to choose from at Wembley.

Phil Foden returned to the bench and while he didn’t make it onto the pitch, must be considered a potential starter against Sheffield United. Similarly, Riyad Mahrez seems almost certain to start while Julian Alvarez is also likely to get more playing time.

There are likely to be rotations in defence - Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte may well come in - but it remains to be seen how much Guardiola will tinker given the late stage of the competition and City’s current form,

Sheffield United Sorare L5 stat pack

Sheffield United’s best performers over their last five matches

Sheffield United most recent line-up, Sorare scores and team news

The big absences for Sheffield United will be Jason McAtee and Tommy Doyle, both of whom cannot play against their parent club Manchester City despite it being the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Oliver Norwood is expected to be the man to replace Doyle from the midweek win over Bristol City, but it leaves manager Paul Heckingbottom short of two potential matchwinners.

Enda Stevens and Ben Osborn are likely to be missing along with long-term absentees Rhian Brewster and Rhys Norrington-Davies while Chris Basham has been complaining of a back problem but could yet make it back.