The FA Cup Final: Who to hate more

I've always loved the FA Cup final, and normally it's pretty easy to watch as a neutral. This year, however, I'm finding it bloody hard to pick a preference.

For the first time in a long time, neither side competing tomorrow has much of a history in this competition. Man City last reached the final in 1981, and Stoke have never got this far. Neither team really deserves it more, then, but the problem is, it's Man City. And Stoke. Neither side deserves it less.

These sides have among the worst disciplinary records in the league (Man City's is the worst), a fact that is born out of some truly desperate styles of football. City are the most negative top-four side I have ever seen, making sure to shut up shop and play for a 0-0 whenever they come into contact with a big rival. Like Stoke, they believe in getting the edge over opponents by out-muscling them, rather than out-thinking them. Stoke have some pacey wingers, but the vast majority of their goals are scored from three yards by one of the following: Kenwyne Jones, Jonathan Walters, Ricardo Fuller, Mamady Sidibe, John Carew. What do all of these have in common? They were used as extras in the Lord of the Rings battle scenes.

City have the better players, Carlos Tevez and Yaya Toure in particular are world class, but this is countered by the fact that their success is bought. For 200 million, fourth place is the bare minimum required, and with the lack of entertainment that comes with it, it's almost impossible to see them as deserving a trophy. Certain players like Joe Hart perhaps deserve success, but then Joleon Lescott is the worst £20million centre-back it is possible to dream of, and Mario Balotelli is too busy being the biggest pikey in living memory to worry about becoming the best striker in the world.

The paradox is, both sets of fans are pretty decent. It should be a great atmosphere at Wembley, fuelled by the feeling that this result really matters to them. What a shame they have to follow the teams they do.

So in the battle of the Premier league spoiled rich kids and the playground bullies, your preference is like choosing between Audley Harrison and David Haye. One is going to upset you that little bit less, but entertainment is almost certainly not an option.

For anyone who fancies a punt on a thrilling 5-4, I highly recommend it.