In a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final, the two cross-city rivals will square off for bragging rights. Pep Guardiola’s team won their fourth consecutive Premier League title last weekend and will be aiming to make it a domestic double when they travel to Wembley to face the Red Devils this weekend. Man United on the other hand are not only playing for their 13th FA Cup, but a place in Europe next season is on the line.
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Keep reading as we preview the Manchester derby final and let you know how we think it’ll go.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United
Saturday 25th May 3:00pm
Wembley Stadium, London, UK
Live on BBC and ITV
Going into the game as Premier League champions, Pep Guardiola’s team will have supreme confidence. After a strong season finishing on a nine game win streak and unbeaten in 23 Premier League games. They are a force to be reckoned with due to their calculated play style and ruthless attacking options. All implemented by arguably the greatest manager of all time in Pep Guardiola. City’s defence is solid and well regimented with a foundation based on possession and build up which has left many unable to penetrate. They utilise their goalkeeper as a defender in possession to increase their passing options to their effective midfield. Who can then work the ball to Erling Haaland, who scored an impressive 27 goals in 31 league games. Or they look to utilise their immense talent on the wing to find scoring opportunities, aided by over/underlaps from the industrious midfield players. This has been indefensible for most this season and City will look to dominate the game and beat their rivals in convincing fashion, as they have many before.
Manchester United are desperate to take the trophy on Saturday not only for pride, but after failing to qualify for European competition through the Premier League, the FA Cup is their last hope. Their disappointing end to the league campaign will make them more determined than ever when they meet the Citizens in London this weekend. Manchester United will expect to be on the back foot for the majority of the game, but this won’t bother them. After imposing a reactive style on his team, Manager Erik Ten Hag depends on unbalancing his opponents and then striking fast. Shown by United’s direct attack numbers, which sit at 72 giving them the most out of any team in the league this season. They also have the seventh highest attacking speed, averaging a 1.89m/s ball progression. Which could hurt the high line of Manchester City, who have not been immune to conceding. However many have criticised Ten Hag’s tactical approach as it relies on what the opposition does in possession rather than looking to be aggressive, it has also alienated new striker Rasmus Højlund who has struggled for involvement. But this could be a turning point as the Dane has struck twice in as many games to finish the season. Finding form just in time for the cup final against their arch rivals.
City have won the last three meetings between the Manchester clubs with an aggregate scoreline of 8-2. Including a 2-1 win in last year’s FA Cup final.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United Odds
City open as convincing favourites at 1.32, with Manchester United at 8.10 underdogs.
Manchester City Vs Manchester United Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change.
Double Double
Guardiola’s side are the clear favourites going into the clash and striker Haaland is expected to cause huge problems for United’s injury stricken defence. Haaland to score in a City win with over 2.5 goals, sits at 2.15
Stone in the shoe
Manchester United are one of the world’s biggest teams for a reason and they can never be talked about as if they have no chance. But with the loss of key players and their poor form, conditions don’t look to be favourable for them to secure victory in football’s oldest competition. Both teams to score but City still to win, is at 2.46.
The Devils You Know
But you won’t be alone if you fancy more than just a valiant effort from the Red devils. They are playing for more than the FA Cup, with European football and even manager Ten Hag’s job potentially on the line. United have a bigger motivation driving them forward, which may be taken for granted by a City team that have already accomplished their season’s major goal. 2-1 is our most likely Manchester United winning score, at 23.00. With Højlund the preferred goalscorer at 4.50 anytime and 11.00 to score first.
Manchester City Team News
Predicted Line-Up (4-1-4-1) Ortega, Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Rodri, B.Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Injuries: Ederson (Head)
Manchester United Team News
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-2-2) Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Martínez, Casemiro, Dalot, Amrabat, Mainoo, Garnacho, Diallo, Fernandes, McTominay.
Injuries: Malacia (Knee), Maguire (Calf), Martial (Groin), Lindelof (Thigh), Shaw (Thigh), Mount (Thigh)
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