Power play: City and United fight for FA Cup - and brand supremacy

It will be a mighty convoy, perhaps not visible from space but certainly from the verges of the M6.

- Paul MacInnes

A minimum of 60 coaches, travelling south this morning, will transport supporters of Manchester's two prestigious football clubs to Wembley stadium.

There, the men's sides will have a historic encounter, competing together in an FA Cup final for the first time in their 140-year history.

That there is greater anticipation than usual for the traditional domestic showpiece is not just down to its unique match-up. The rivalry between the red and blue sides of Manchester is bubbling away, and the final will play a central role.

When United wrapped up their league season a week ago, their manager, Erik ten Hag, took to the Old Trafford pitch. It's traditional to thank the fans for their support but the Dutchman wanted to assure them of something more. "There's still one game to go and I'm sure these players will give everything to beat Manchester City next week," he said.

United finished third and remain without a Premier League title since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. City, meanwhile, are champions for the third year in a row and the fifth time in seven years under their manager, Pep Guardiola.

If City win the FA Cup today, they will have the chance to complete a prestigious treble of trophies by beating Internazionale of Milan in the Champions League final next Saturday. It's a feat achieved only once by an English club: Ferguson's United in 1999.