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"I don't think you have to behave like a crazy guy on the touchline to have that passion."
"Sometimes I think there is, I don't know the name, but dementia senile... when you forget what you do in the past."
There is no love lost between Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. Their feud is one that goes as far back as 2016, but for simplicity's sake, let's start at the beginning of the year.
Mourinho took a dig at Conte, labelling him a 'crazy guy' for the manner in which he celebrated on the touchline. Conte followed it up by claiming Mourinho was 'senile', also referring to him as a 'small man' who would remain that way in the future.
While both have claimed that their hostility towards one another is a thing of the past, tempers are expected to flare when Manchester United and Chelsea face off tomorrow in the biggest game of the season for the two teams.
For both managers, the FA Cup presents itself as their last shot at silverware. Manchester United's campaign was undoubtedly the more successful one, but Mourinho will be happy with nothing less than a trophy in his hands at the end of the season.
While United go into the tie as firm favourites, Chelsea have the history - and the weaponry - to pull off an upset.
Here are five reasons why Chelsea could end up thrashing United and sending Conte off on a high:
#1 Chelsea's last chance of avoiding a trophyless season
After a scintillating 2016/17 season in which they could do no wrong, Chelsea have stuttered and stumbled to the finish line this campaign, failing to even make it to the top 4, meaning it's Thursday night action for their fans next season.
They crashed out to London rivals Arsenal in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and exited the Champions League in the R16 after a humiliating defeat to Barcelona. All this means the FA Cup is their only shot at redemption and that should be enough to spur them on. The players have already stated that they are fired up for the game.
"You don't want to be on the back of losing two FA Cup finals in a row," Cesc Fabregas said. "Last year we didn't play well. We have this regret in our head and we want to make it right this time for sure."
#2 Injury woes
At least three of Manchester United's key players are fitness concerns ahead of the all-important final tomorrow. Romelu Lukaku has not featured in United's last three games, but while the Belgian has been passed fit, it remains to be seen if there is any rustiness in his game.
Meanwhile, Anthony Martial missed the Watford game due to a knee injury and despite travelling with the squad, doubts linger as to whether he will be able to take the field.
Marouane Fellaini too missed United's last two league games. The Red Devils do have adequate backup, but Chelsea will be buoyed by the fact that Mourinho's men are not in prime condition.
#3 Olivier Giroud is the undisputed FA Cup King
In the last five years (since Giroud's debut in the competition) no player has been involved in more goals in the FA Cup than the former Arsenal striker. Giroud scored his 15th goal in the competition when he netted against Southampton in the semi-final.
Moreover, he has also provided seven assists meaning he's been involved in 22 goals in just 26 games - stellar numbers indeed and enough to plant seeds of worry in the United camp. Just to add to their plight - Giroud is also unbeaten at Wembley.
His record alone should get him a starting berth tomorrow ahead of misfiring Alvaro Morata and if his past numbers are anything to go by Giroud just might end up with another FA Cup trophy in his hands.
#4 Chelsea's record at 'new' Wembley
While the two sides stand neck and neck in terms of head to head this season - Chelsea won 1-0 at the Bridge while United came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford - the Blues' record at the new Wembley stadium is outstanding.
Antonio Conte's men have won 10 and lost just 2 of the 12 encounters at Wembley since 2007 (excluding Community Shields). On the other hand, Manchester United's record (look away United fans) does not make for great reading, having won just four out of eight matches at the venue.
#5 Antonio Conte's final hurrah
Tomorrow's crucial final is being considered by many as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's final game in charge of the club. After a brilliant 2016/17 campaign in which he led the Blues to the title, the Italian gaffer has failed to inspire his troops in the same manner this time around, failing to make the top four in the league coupled with early exits in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
Conte was close to receiving the sack earlier this season, but a late surge meant he is safe until tomorrow's final. Conte in all likelihood will relinquish the Chelsea hot seat regardless of the result and hence this would be the ideal opportunity for him to get back in some of the fans' good books and finish off his stint on a high.
The players too will be aware of the fact that it could very well be their manager's final game and that might motivate them to put their best foot forward and charge towards victory to send him off in the manner that he deserves.
Expect Chelsea to come out all guns blazing tomorrow in what promises to be a cracking contest between two top, top teams.
