Talks will be held on Friday in an attempt to avoid a strike by London Underground workers on the weekend of Watford's FA Cup Final against Manchester City.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union are planning to walk out for three days on May 17 - the day prior to the final at Wembley Stadium - in a dispute over safety.

The union has accused London Underground of cutting train preparations, inspections and maintenance which it claims will be a threat to safety. London Underground has denied the claims.

Talks between the RMT and London Underground will be held at the conciliation service Acas on Friday.

Workers involved in the dispute are based at maintenance depots across London, with the union claiming that plans to "decimate" inspection frequencies would lead to more Tube train failures. Around 1,000 of the RMT's members, working on maintenance and other areas, are believed to be caught up in the dispute.

The most popular route for Watford fans to Wembley is expected to be the Metropolitan line.

The union is also planning to hold a protest at City Hall next week during which they will plead with London mayor Sadiq Khan to intervene.

General secretary for the RMT Mick Cash has told the press: "We will be attending the Acas talks but our campaign and our action remain on as we seek a solution that will guarantee safe operation into the future."

Peter McNaught, director of asset operations for London Underground, said: "The safety of customers and staff is our top priority and our proposals do not compromise this.

"Train checks will continue daily, with every train thoroughly checked to guarantee safety.

"Our proposals are to change the frequencies of some less safety critical checks, with the regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, satisfied with our approach.

"We have actively consulted with the trade unions over this issue and we hope these talks can resolve this dispute without unnecessary industrial action."