Manchester City v Sunderland: The two teams' routes to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley

The two teams meet at Wembley on Sunday afternoon

Former Sunderland loanee Jonny Evans dragged United back into the tie with a first-half header, but they needed a last-gasp Javier Hernandez strike to take it to penalties after Bardsley's 119th-minute goal looked to have booked Sunderland's trip to Wembl (GETTY IMAGES)

Appearing in a Wembley cup final represents the pinnacle for all English teams. It is rare to get there, making it a moment to savour when your chance eventually comes around.

For Manchester City and Sunderland, the preparations have been on-going since the moment the last whistle blew in their respective semi-finals. For supporters, coaches needed to be booked, hotel tickets bought, beer money saved, and for players – suits ordered, and their minds prepared for the challenge ahead.

Sunderland will see Sunday's game as their shot at glory – a chance to write their names into the history of the club they play for, and elevate their status in the eyes of supporters. For Manchester City, Sunday represents their first chance, as opposed to their last. They are in with a shot at the Premier League title, face Wigan in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and are technically still in the Champions League.

Both teams have overcome a number of teams to get to this stage – Sunderland the more impressive run, it has to be said. The Black Cats beat MK Dons, Peterborough, Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester United, while City overcame Wigan, Newcastle, Leicester and West Ham.

Sunderland's win on penalties at Old Trafford extinguished the chances of a Manchester derby in the capital, while City's two-legged win at West Ham was an altogether simpler exchange – they won 9-0 on aggregate.

In the build-up to Sunday's big game, we look back at both side's routes to the final, seeing how they got here and who they overcame to book their place at the home of English football.​