We now have a Manchester derby to look forward in the FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday June 3.

What a prospect!

I was lucky enough to attend the first City v United game played outside the UK. It was a preseason game in Houston, which co-incided with the launch of my Youtube channel, so I’ll always remember of it fondly.

It might be a bit more tense at Wembley, both on and off the field. I was working for the BBC when the two clubs played each other in the FA Cup semi-final of 2011, which City won thanks to a goal from Yaya Toure. We had a broadcast bus on Olympic Way, but I remember that, as kickoff approached, the vehicle started to be a target for hooligans.

The bus was damaged and had to be moved.

I had a phone call from a friend, as I was writing this column, asking if it would be safe to take their children, if they were lucky enough to get tickets. I’d like to think so, but I’m sure my friend will not be the only one with such concerns.

Just to crank up the tension even further, City could be on course to emulate United’s treble from 1999, so the stakes could not be higher. I sincerely hope that all those who attend remember that it’s still just a football game and there are far more serious things to be concerned about in this world.

Riyad Mahrez scored the hat trick of goals that secured City’s next trip to Etihad South, as its become known by the fans.

I had the chance to interview him, after the game, and he told me, “Yes, it’s a team sport so I’m just happy that the team goes through to the final of the FA Cup which we’ve been waiting for a while to do again. I’ve always been a relaxed player and I think that’s the way to be, not to take things too seriously and I think that’s when you are at your best. You always have some nerves here and there but when you relax you can perform better as a team and as an individual.”

Let’s hope the fans think that way too!

Last week City booked their place in the semi-final of the Champions League by completing their victory over two legs against the mighty Bayern Munich. The truth is that the tie was won in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium and although the German Champions showed threat in their own, impressive, Allianz Arena, they just couldn’t finish their chances.

There was a lot of brave defending by the Blues too, which was not always as evident in the big games at the end of last season, particularly in the Champions League.

As City prepare for a rematch with Real Madrid in the semis, that improved solidarity at the back, orchestrated by the always impressive Ruben Dias, might just help them over the line and into the final. The first leg will be in Spain and these days these big games are often decided, if not entirely, by the result in the first ninety minutes.

I know away goals are no longer significant, but a solid performance and the odd goal at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium could be decisive.

This week it’s the biggest Premier League game of the season with the Blues facing the leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. I’m writing this before the big showdown, which many are describing as the title decider.

A City win would certainly put even more pressure on Arteta’s team, who appear to be crumbling and by the time you read this you’ll know the outcome.

Whatever the result, I believe it won’t be over, but I’m certain of this, it’s great to be a Blue.

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

Want more local sport stories?

Head to https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/ to see more of our coverage - from community and non-league football to local and county cricket, boxing, athletics, basketball, Esports and golf.