Manchester City's back-up goalkeeper Stefan Ortega will start tomorrow's historic FA Cup final against rivals Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that the German – who has started all domestic cup competitions so far this season – will be given the nod ahead of Ederson at Wembley.
Ortega signed on a free transfer from Arminia Bielefeld and impressed Guardiola during his 13 appearances, providing more competition than Zack Steffen before him.
The 30-year-old has kept 10 clean sheets this term, although his inclusion for the final represents a big call by the City boss after Steffen's high-profile mistakes in last year's semi-final defeat by Liverpool.
'He's going to play,' Guardiola said. 'I've always like that, even in Barcelona, the keeper who has played FA Cup plays [the final].'
Guardiola echoed the message from Ruben Dias earlier in the week that City cannot allow their minds to drift on winning a potential treble, with the Champions League final against Inter next Saturday.
And the Catalan is wary of the threat an improving United pose, mindful of the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in January, and put that down to Erik ten Hag.
'Thinking about titles, the second or third… we have to analyse the strength of our opponent, look at the weaknesses they have,' Guardiola added.
'Everything surrounding is normal, you cannot control it. It's special for itself but the question what United have done for the past five months means they are a completely different team.
'They were better when we lost but we played good. I have the feeling that they have improved, the playing patterns are more clear. We've done really, really well against them during my time but it's United, the quality of player has always been there.
'I look at a manager on how his team improve. When you see a team better and better, in a league that is not easy, you identify a really good manager.
'He represents our profession in the best way possible. I can't say we are friends, we are not in touch much, but I think United have an exceptional manager for many, many years.'
Guardiola went to confirm the return of Jack Grealish and Kevin de Bruyne - saying they both trained well in the build-up to the cup final.
He said: 'They [Grealish and De Bruyne] trained well the last two training sessions. They are more or less fine.
zueabcdrs
570
Ortega is much better than Ederson
Vozaeprsz
485
Respect to guardiola, any players would respect him for this decision.
D-Maestreo
280
if Man United like, they can Sign Prime Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Hazard, Benzema, Mbappe, Aguero and even Haaland 😂😂 Man united will beg for the match to end on Saturday 😂 They will run around like head-less Chickens, just like Madrid 😏. They'll be extremely lucky if the scoreline isn't greater than 4. CITY IS COMING !!! 🔝.
Tamande
211
Man united knowing that Ortega have not conceded a goal in an FA