Prediction: Manchester City vs Manchester United

Verdict: Phil Foden to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

With all eyes falling on Wembley this weekend, Manchester City will look to officially be crowned double-champions when they meet bitter local rivals Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

Manchester City

Starting with Manchester City, while Pep Guardiola’s men might have suffered Champions League heartbreak last month as they relinquished their maiden European crown, the Sky Blues have only continued on another record-breaking domestic romp. Officially getting their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League title last weekend as they eventually held off Arsenal’s charge thanks to a 3-1 victory at home against West Ham, the former Barcelona boss will certainly be relishing a trip to Wembley on Saturday afternoon. Looking to complete another famous double-winning campaign here, City have enjoyed an astonishing domestic flurry since opening the New Year. Not suffering a single defeat against Premier League opposition since the start of December, Guardiola’s men will be confident of making another heavyweight statement here. Enjoying a real free-scoring run in the final third, it won’t be a surprise to many that the Sky Blues are pencilled in as a landslide contender this weekend.

Team News

Sustaining a fractured eye socket against Tottenham earlier in the month, Manchester City have already confirmed that Brazil shot-stopper Ederson will not feature at Wembley this weekend. Continuing to shine when handed a chance between the sticks, Stefan Ortega will once again deputise for Ederson on Saturday afternoon.

Bagging a stunning brace against West Ham last weekend and officially crowned Premier League Player of the Season, England international Phil Foden will certainly play a leading role in the capital. Storming his way to another Golden Boot this year, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge at Wembley.

Manchester United

As for Manchester United, while the Reds might have signed off the 2023/24 campaign with back-to-back Premier League victories, Saturday’s trip to Wembley could be Erik ten Hag’s final game in the dugout. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny this season and failing to book any kind of European adventure for next year, the former Ajax boss has found a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford. Failing to find any kind of stability under the Dutch tactician, United will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge in the capital. Hit with a 3-1 loss when they travelled to the Etihad for a Premier League showdown on March 3rd, ten Hag’s men will be concerned by a nightmare record against their bitter local rivals. Losing six of their previous seven meetings across all competitions, the Reds’ leaky defence will face a string of questions here.

Team News

Returning to first-team training last week, former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane could make a full return in what will be a final appearance for Manchester United. Likewise, in what could be a timely boost for the Reds on Saturday afternoon, Argentina International Lisandro Martinez will make consecutive domestic starts for the first time since the start of February.

Coming off the bench and finding the net against Brighton last weekend, Rasmus Hojlund will make a full recall and lead ten Hag’s charge here. While England international Marcus Rashford might have recently returned from a minor knock, the 26-year-old will likely settle for a spot on the bench at Wembley.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Manchester City and Manchester United last met on March 3rd, the Sky Blues picked up a routine 3-1 victory at the Etihad.
• Along with winning all of their previous three meetings by an aggregate score of 8-2, City have won six of their last seven meetings against Man United.
• Crowned Premier League champion for a fourth consecutive time last weekend, Manchester City have not suffered a single domestic defeat since the start of December.
• Manchester United have won just one of their previous seven showdowns away from Old Trafford within 90 minutes.
• The Red Devils have recorded just a single clean sheet across any competition since returning from March’s international break.

Conclusion

Making more domestic history last weekend as they secured a fourth consecutive Premier League crown, Manchester City will have a party atmosphere in their camp when they arrive at Wembley on Saturday afternoon. Rightfully tipped as a landslide contender with the bookmakers here, Guardiola’s men will also be excited by a rampant record against their bitter local rivals. Including a 3-1 victory when they welcomed United to the Etihad for their most recent battle on March 3rd, they have also won six of their last seven clashes.

Verdict: Phil Foden to score anytime

Best Odds: 7/4

Bookmaker: Luckster