City U18s playmaker Brahim Diaz says a good start against Chelsea could be key to deciding the FA Youth Cup final…

He commented: “We’re looking forward to the first leg. I think that we’ve got a good chance against them, they’re a very strong team but I think we’re ready for the challenge.

“We need to make a strong start and get a good result for the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Brahim continued: “Last time we played them, we were 3-1 down at half time before coming back to win 4-3 so we can’t afford another bad start.

“It’s a big chance to win the FA Youth Cup and claim our second trophy of the season.”

The 16-year old also had a message for the fans ahead of the final of the prestigious competition, stating that the players want to reward them for their continued support.

Brahim stated: “The fans are really important to us. We are proud to represent the Club and make the fans happy by succeeding in the FA Youth Cup.

“It would be great if we could get a full stadium as their support will help us on the pitch.

“We will give everything on the pitch to get the result we want and make our fans proud.”

The game is a repeat of last year’s final and Jason Wilcox’s side will be looking to go one further than last year by picking up their third FA Youth Cup trophy.

Wilcox’s side head into the game with an impressive record of being 15 games unbeaten having last tasted defeat against West Brom in late November.

That run continued on 16 April as Manu Garcia and Lukas Nmecha notched the goals in a 2-0 win against Liverpool.

The two sides have already met once this season with City picking up the three points in the Barclays U18 Premier League final stage in March.

The young Blues were 3-1 down at half time before a brace from Brahim and Nmecha’s second of the game secured a 4-3 victory at the Academy Stadium.