We head to Wembley for the season’s first honours this afternoon, with Manchester City looking to secure the first of a dream quadruple. The vividness and prominence of that dream has faded significantly in the sobering wake of Barcelona’s efficient 2-0 win at the Etihad stadium, in the first leg of the last 16 Champions League tie less than 2 weeks ago. However, today’s final still represents a third of a highly achievable domestic treble and a chance for Manuel Pellegrini to secure his first silverware. Sunderland meanwhile are on the verge of winning their first major honour since the 1973 FA Cup final.

The form book and every ounce of common sense you can muster will point towards a City win. Pellegrini’s side remain on course for the league title, knowing if they win their two games in hand they will go top of the league, ahead of Chelsea on goal difference. Sunderland meanwhile go into this game mired in the relegation zone. However, the last time the two sides met the Black Cats enjoyed a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

The two sides go into this game with starkly contrasting records so far this season, and that is most clearly highlights in their ability to create chances. Sunderland have created just 225, while Man City have engineered a goal scoring chance no less than 368 times this season.

That gap carries over into the goals scored column, with City’s 69 dwarfing Sunderland’s paltry return of 26. Sunderland defence has matched their league position, with their ability to keep out goals the third worst in the Premier League. Barring an off day, there should be far too much in this City attack for a weak Sudnerland defence.

All stats courtesy of Squawka