Caltex Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak is daring to dream and says his Crystal Palace side is ready to make history for the club in this weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Jedinak will lead Palace out at Wembley on Sunday morning (AEST) in just the club’s second-ever appearance in the final of England’s oldest cup competition.
Ironically, that was also against United back in 1990, with the Eagles going down in a replay 1-0 to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side after the first game ended 3-3.
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There will be no replay this weekend and while Palace are considered outsiders against United, Jedinak is confident his side can spring a surprise.
“We have a strong belief at this club because on our day we can match up with most teams,” Jedinak told AAP.
“We may be underdogs at Wembley this weekend but we are not just going there to enjoy the ride or the day.”
Much of the build-up to the final has been overshadowed this week by United’s disrupted preparations due to a bomb scare at Old Trafford last weekend.
A suspect package was found at United’s home ground prior to their EPL clash with AFC Bournemouth, forcing the game to be postponed to this (Wed) morning.
It means United has just four days to prepare for the trip to Wembley, while Palace should be fresh after a full week to focus on the Cup final.
“It’s hard to say if it will affect them in any shape or form but I expect as a footballer you just get on with how it is,” Jedinak said of United’s disrupted preparation.
“It’s having some disruption on their schedule in terms of training and having days off in the run-up to playing us so you never can tell.
“I guess it is not ideal for them. But that’s how things have been dealt and you just have to put up with it.
“They also have a huge squad which they will use to good effect and I still expect them to come into the game on Saturday fully ready and all guns blazing.”
