4 factors to look out for in the 2018 FA cup final

#3 United’s brittle central defence and De Gea’s performance

DDG - Safe hands

United’s central defence does not ooze much confidence. Both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are big and strong defenders but they lack leadership on the pitch. They are not very reliable big-match performers either.

It wont be easy for them to cope with the physical threat of Giroud and Morata aswell as the speed and class of Hazard. They are likely to commit mistakes which could prove to be fatal for United.

However, De Gea has managed to keep 18 clean sheets this season for United and the club will again depend a lot on the 27 year old Spanish goalie.

De Gea would have to own the 6 yard box and not allow the Chelsea strikers to dominate in the air. His performance will certainly be crucial in deciding the outcome of the match.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.