FA request Man City play Sheffield United blindfolded in Cup semi-final

They'll still win 4-0, watch

The Football Association have told Manchester City that they must play their FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United in blindfolds.

Paddy Power News understands that the governing body are anxious to prevent the Premier League giants from giving their Championship opposition a severe thrashing in Saturday’s Wembley showdown.

“The eyes of the world will be watching” an FA spokesperson told Paddy Power News, “We cannot have an 18-0 scoreline in our showpiece competition.

“We did think about giving Sheffield United a five-goal start, but this idea would be much more fun.”

Paddy Power News understands that Pep Guardiola’s side got the tip off earlier in the week and despite not being happy with the decision, they have been training accordingly over the past few days.

“The lads have been preparing well,” a club insider told us, “It proved difficult at first, but after a couple of hours it started to come together.

“The gaffer and his coaching staff are also going to wear blindfolds because Pep would never want his players to do something that he couldn’t.

“He did have problems practising the pre-match handshake however. First time he tried he was half way to the city centre before someone called him back.”

The bad news for Blades fans’ is that City’s dynamic duo up front seem just as comfortable together with or without their sight.

“Haaland and De Bruyne have got a telepathic understanding anyway so we still expect the Norwegian to score at least six” another club insider explained.

“Erling actually forgot to take his blindfold off yesterday and actually drove home without any problems, although he was wearing those silly pyjamas back to front.”

Saturday’s opponents have also been preparing for their big day out in the capital. Paddy Power News sources in South Yorkshire went to meet boss Paul Heckingbottom who explained that he had a few tricks up his sleeve;

“The lads have been doing drills against our youth teams who were wearing blindfolds to get them used to it.

“We intend to make life as uncomfortable as possible for City. Do not be surprised to see some ear flicking and rib tickling on Saturday afternoon.”

Just before going to press, Paddy Power News got a tip-off that Brighton and Hove Albion players have also been practising playing blindfolded, just in case. One of their club officials telling us that;

“After watching Manchester United against Sevilla last night, we were half expecting a call from the FA too.”

*Paddy Power’s football coverage is 100% fake news. Honest.

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