In some ways, Manchester City v Stoke in the FA Cup final is a throwback to a bygone era. Both clubs won the League Cup in the 1970s but have had hardly a sniff of success since then. Back then, England's cup competitions were more democratic, yet today's match is a rarity in modern times as it doesn't involve Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool. Since City's last FA Cup final appearance in 1981, all but five of the 29 finals have featured at least one of those giants.
But moneybags Manchester City's presence in the final shows this has less to do with a new democracy than with a new club joining the elite. Just as a power shift in the 1990s saw Chelsea join the trophy-winning elite (six FA Cup finals since 1997) in place of Tottenham (four finals between 1981 and 1991 but none since), City are now looking to grab a slice of the action.
If City win, the dominance of the moneyed elite will be confirmed; if Stoke upset the odds, it will be a shock not seen since the late 1980s when, in consecutive years, Coventry City put Tottenham to the sword and Wimbledon outmuscled Liverpool.
Wimbledon's 1988 heroes provide the example for Stoke to follow. Team spirit - mixed with a little gamesmanship - tough tackling, a set-piece goal, moments of individual brilliance (Dave Beasant's famous penalty save) and dogged defence paved the way for Wimbledon's triumph.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis will be looking for the same ingredients from his players, who must test their opponents' appetite for a physical contest in midfield and at set pieces, especially with key assists man Matthew Etherington likely to miss out.
The problem Pulis has to solve is how to bring Stoke's home form to Wembley. At home against the big five (England's traditional big four, plus Manchester City) Stoke have won as many as they have lost in the league and cup since promotion and (handicap backers take note) their defeat rate is a respectable 35 per cent, but on the road they have lost 14 out of 16 and have never won.
