Sheffield United take part in an FA Cup Semi-Final later today, but they will have to do so without James McAtee and Tommy Doyle.
The duo have been crucial players for the Blades this season, although they are unable to feature at Wembley due to the fact they belong to Manchester City, and are only on loan at Bramall Lane.
Chris Sutton has now shared his thoughts on the situation.
What’s the story?
Well, Sutton said it is a “shame” for McAtee and Doyle to miss out.
Writing on Twitter, the 50-year-old stated: “Really feel for Tommy Doyle and James McAtee who will miss out on playing in the FA Cup semi final today for Sheffield United against their parent club Manchester City. Not good enough for City at this minute but not allowed to play against them… it’s a shame for them!”
In truth, we think it’s ridiculous that the pair are banned from playing today.
Manchester City have more than enough firepower to overcome Sheffield United even with Doyle and McAtee playing, so Pep Guardiola should have welcomed the challenge and told the FA to let them play.
The Citizens had superstars such as Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips on their bench against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Clearly, Guardiola has phenomenal strength in depth, so it really is a shame to see Sheffield United robbed of two hugely effective players in a game where the Blades would be up against it anyway.
Sheffield United can still pull off something special
Despite Paul Heckingbottom being forced to leave Doyle and McAtee out, he still has some weapons within his side who can hurt Manchester City.
Iliman Ndiaye is one player who could step up, having already scored to send Tottenham out of the FA Cup in the fifth round.
The likes of Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie also have a goal in them, so Manchester City must not underestimate the Blades at Wembley later today.
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