Manchester City have a wonderful chance to claim their third FA Cup victory under the leadership of Pep Guardiola at Wembley this afternoon.
Success came in 2019 and 2023 before they lost the final to Manchester United last year. The Spaniard will be keen to end the campaign on a high.
He will, however, be expecting a much better performance than the one that was delivered against Southampton in the Premier League last week.
The 0-0 draw against the club bottom of the table, having conceded 82 goals, was disappointing to say the least, particularly with Erling Haaland back in the starting line-up.
James McAtee was particularly poor during the game.
James McAtee’s game in numbers vs Southampton
The Englishman was unleashed on the right wing against the Saints, but if it was an audition to keep his place in the team next season, he failed.
The attacking midfielder lasted only 45 minutes during the game as he was subbed off at the interval. Throughout the first half, he made just one key pass, registered zero total shots, and won only one total duel.
James-McAtee-1
It was clear the entire team were not quite at the races, but this was a chance for McAtee to prove to Guardiola he was worthy of a place in his plans next term.
This poor performance likely means he will drop to the bench for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace later today.
The question is, who comes in for the youngster?
Why Man City must unleash Savinho against Crystal Palace
Savinho entered the fray last weekend with just 14 minutes left, but he registered more shots and dribbles than McAtee did during the first half.
Since joining City from Troyes last summer, the winger has scored twice and grabbed 12 assists, proving to be a solid signing by the manager, as he has provided plenty of creativity on the flank.
Comparing Savinho and McAtee in the PL this season
Metric
Goals
Assists
Shots per game
Big chances created
Successful dribbles per game
Key passes per game
Stats via Sofascore
Aged only 21, the Brazilian will only get better. That’s for certain. The £46m-rated, per Transfermarkt, youngster has established himself as one of Guardiola’s key players this season.
His displays are even more impressive when compared to those in a similar position across Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the past 365 days.
Indeed, Savinho ranks in the top 6% for progressive carries, progressive passes received, touches in the opposition penalty area, and successful take-ons when compared to other wingers per 90.
Furthermore, he also ranks in the top 11% for shot-creating actions and assists per 90, which indicates that he should start the cup final against Palace.
At the start of the season, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson claimed that the 21-year-old could turn into a “superstar” after several encouraging displays.
Nine months later, Savinho’s City career has gone better than expected. If he can play a key role in the final this afternoon, he could use this to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
savinho-man-city-premier-league
New signings will be expected; That’s a certainty. But in Savinho, City have a potential world-class sensation in the making and that is why he must be unleashed ahead of McAtee in the cup final to improve the team's chances of ending the campaign with a bit of glory.
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