Manchester City v Sunderland: The two teams' routes to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley
The two teams meet at Wembley on Sunday afternoon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Appearing in a Wembley cup final represents the pinnacle for all English teams. It is rare to get there, making it a moment to savour when your chance eventually comes around.
For Manchester City and Sunderland, the preparations have been on-going since the moment the last whistle blew in their respective semi-finals. For supporters, coaches needed to be booked, hotel tickets bought, beer money saved, and for players – suits ordered, and their minds prepared for the challenge ahead.
Sunderland will see Sunday's game as their shot at glory – a chance to write their names into the history of the club they play for, and elevate their status in the eyes of supporters. For Manchester City, Sunday represents their first chance, as opposed to their last. They are in with a shot at the Premier League title, face Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and are technically still in the Champions League.
Both teams have overcome a number of teams to get to this stage – Sunderland the more impressive run, it has to be said. The Black Cats beat MK Dons, Peterborough, Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester United, while City overcame Wigan, Newcastle, Leicester and West Ham.
Sunderland's win on penalties at Old Trafford extinguished the chances of a Manchester derby in the capital, while City's two-legged win at West Ham was an altogether simpler exchange – they won 9-0 on aggregate.
In the build-up to Sunday's big game, we look back at both side's routes to the final, seeing how they got here and who they overcame to book their place at the home of English football.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments