Prediction: Manchester City vs Manchester United

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Luckster

With all eyes falling on Wembley this weekend, Manchester City and Manchester United will meet for this season’s FA Cup final on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester City

Starting with Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola’s men might have been disappointed after their remarkable 25-match unbeaten run came to an end against Brentford last weekend, the Sky Blues will still find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Eventually defending their Premier League crown thanks to a five-point buffer over Arsenal, the one-time Barcelona boss knows that his superstar squad are potentially days away from writing another chapter in the history books. Suffering just a single defeat since the start of February and also punching their Champions League final ticket after securing a 5-1 romp against Real Madrid last month, City are looking to become the first English club since United in 1999 to be crowned treble champions. Cementing their spot as one of the Premier League’s greatest club sides after bagging five domestic titles from the past six seasons, Guardiola’s side will be looking to make another statement when they arrive at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

Now missing Manchester City’s last two appearances after picking up a recent knock, Manuel Akanji could once again miss out here. However, aside from the former Borussia Dortmund defender, Guardiola has reported a clean bill of health heading into the weekend.

Breaking a string of records since arriving in England last summer and notching 36 Premier League strikes this season, Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s attack at Wembley. Enjoying what has been a hugely impressive run since returning from the winter World Cup, Jack Grealish will once again partner Haaland in the final third.

Manchester United

As for Manchester United, although Erik ten Hag’s side might have come under real scrutiny for their Europa League exit at the hands of Sevilla back on April 20th, the former Ajax boss has seen his side come roaring back. Punching what was an essential Champions League return last week as they stormed to a thumping 4-1 romp against Chelsea at Old Trafford, the Reds won each of their final four top-flight appearances. Mounting a second-half comeback on home soil as they signed off the 2022/23 campaign with a 2-1 win against Fulham, United will also have happy memories of their last trip to Wembley. Ending their six-year trophy drought back in February as they were crowned EFL Cup champions thanks to an eye-catching 2-0 victory against Newcastle, ten Hag will be calling on a repeat display here. Although United might be tipped as an underdog contender on Saturday afternoon, they will be confident of springing an upset in the capital.

Team News

Despite being stretchered off against Chelsea on May 25th, Manchester United are hopeful that Antony will be able to play some part here. However, the Reds have confirmed that Anthony Martial will miss out this weekend after picking up a knock.

Making his full return to ten Hag’s starting XI against Fulham last weekend, attacking talisman Marcus Rashford will lead United’s attack at Wembley. Recording back-to-back Premier League strikes for the first time this season, Bruno Fernandes will have a key role to play in the capital.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two Premier League giants last met for a Manchester derby showdown on January 14th, United picked up a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
• However, the Red Devils have failed to win any of the other six previous meetings against their bitter local rivals.
• Manchester City’s 1-0 loss away at Brentford last weekend brought an end to their record-breaking 25-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
• Including a 2-1 victory against Fulham last weekend, United won each of their final four Premier League appearances by an aggregate score 9-2.
• Each of the last three meetings between Saturday’s FA Cup finalists have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Manchester City might have watched their record-breaking flurry come to an abrupt end away at Brentford last weekend, the Sky Blues are still days away from making major history. Looking to get their hands on a second piece of silverware and move one giant step closer to being crowned treble champions, Guardiola’s side are rightfully tipped as a standout pick here. Suffering that remarkable 2-1 loss when they travelled to Old Trafford for their last Premier League showdown on January 14th, City can not afford another slip-up at Wembley. Although United might have ended their six-year trophy drought back in February as they were crowned EFL Cup champions thanks to a 2-0 win against Newcastle, the Red Devils will be more than aware that they face a huge challenge in the capital. In a derby battle that should prove to be another fiery affair, we are backing City to get their hands on a seventh FA Cup crown here.

Verdict: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Luckster