Manchester City set to host FA Youth Cup final against Leeds at the Etihad on May 10… with the FA ready to lift deadline for showpiece match and avoid clash with the Blues’ Premier League game against Wolves
- According to competition rules, the FA Youth Cup final must be played on May 4
- But that date clashes with the Premier League match between Man City and Wolves
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Manchester City’s FA Youth Cup final against Leeds will take place at the Etihad on May 10, to accommodate what is expected to be another large crowd.
Competition rules require the final to be played on May 4, but that date clashes with City’s Premier League match against Wolves and the reigning champions are naturally reluctant to allow their Under-18s side to play on the first-team pitch in the construction. on to a match that could be crucial in the title race.
However, given the prestige of the Youth Cup, there is a general acceptance across the competition that the showpiece event should take place on a club’s main pitch and that, Mail Sport understands, has led to the proposal to extend the deadline by six days. to the following Friday evening.
City knew they would host the final ahead of last week’s semi-final, when they ousted Bristol City by a single goal at the Joie Stadium – the regular venue for their youth team matches – and gave Leeds a final for the first time in 27 years performance sealed by Millwall 4-3 forfeit.
That final match attracted more than 10,000 spectators to Elland Road and demand for final tickets from Leeds fans is likely to be significantly greater than Joie’s 7,000 capacity – away clubs in the Youth Cup are routinely limited to a 15% share – for what a historic moment in the history of the Yorkshire club.
A big crowd is expected for the FA Youth Cup final between Man City and Leeds
Kobbie Maino celebrates after Manchester United’s victory in the final at Old Trafford in 2022
Recent finals have been hugely popular occasions. West Ham’s youngsters beat Arsenal 5-1 in front of 34,127 at the Emirates last year, compared to a crowd of 67,492 at Old Trafford 12 months earlier, where two late goals from Alejandro Garnacho sealed Manchester United’s victory over Nottingham Forest.
Although it is Leeds’ first final since a team including Jonathan Woodgate, Paul Robinson and Harry Newell defeated Crystal Palace over two legs in 1996-97, City are playing in their sixth in ten seasons.