25.05.2024, 17:00

Prediction: 3-1

For only the second time in the storied history of the FA Cup—and the first since 1885—the same two sides will contest the final in back-to-back years when Manchester City and Manchester United clash again at Wembley. City sensationally took the lead inside 13 seconds in last year’s fixture as Pep Guardiola’s history-makers secured the second leg of their treble, part of a sequence of six wins from the last seven Manchester derbies.

Improving on that record would help City make even more history, as less than one week after claiming an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title, Guardiola’s men could become the first English side to win back-to-back league and cup doubles. Only the daring could write off a side that is unbeaten inside 90 minutes in a whopping 36 consecutive games dating back to mid-December, marking City out as strong favorites to secure an eighth FA Cup crown.

Erik ten Hag is under serious pressure after the Red Devils slumped to their lowest-ever Premier League-era finish (eighth), which was their worst showing since 1989/90—coincidentally a season in which they won the FA Cup!

Unitec have lost four of their last five finals, all of which came against fellow ‘big six’ sides. An alarming trend of conceding three times in both the quarter and semi-finals suggests the Red Devils are up against it here against their so-called ‘noisy neighbors’.

Players to watch: Newly crowned Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden has been unstoppable in recent months, but his affiliation with this fixture stretches even further back, netting six times in his last four starts against United. The Red Devils could be reliant on captain and creator-in-chief Bruno Fernandes, who was on the scoresheet in last year’s final from the penalty spot, one of three strikes against City

Form Guide

Manchester City WWWWWW

Manchester City are hoping to continue their winning form following a 3-1 Premier League triumph over West Ham United. In that match, Manchester City dominated possession with 73% and had 28 attempts on goal, 12 of which were on target. West Ham United managed 3 shots on goal, with 2 of them on target.

The latest results highlight the quality in Manchester City’s rearguard. They have been stingy, conceding just 2 goals in their last 6 outings, showcasing their defensive resilience and solid form heading into their next challenge.

Manchester United WDLLWW

Manchester United will go into the match following a 2-0 Premier League win against Brighton & Hove Albion in their last game.

In that match, Manchester United had 45% possession and 11 attempts on goal, with 4 of them on target. Brighton & Hove Albion, on the other hand, had 17 attempts at goal with 3 on target.

The numbers tell their own story: Manchester United have been scored against in 5 of their last 6 matches, conceding a total of 10 goals. This indicates that despite their recent victory, defensive frailties have been exposed and will be an area of concern going into their next fixture.

Injured and suspended

Manchester City: (Ederson)

Manchester United: (Maguire H, Malacia T, Shaw L)

Manchester City vs Manchester United Predicted XI

Manchester City Predicted XI: Stefan Ortega, Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.

Manchester United Predicted XI: Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, Sofyan Amrabat, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

Prediction

In this game, Manchester City will most likely dominate possession and should be able to convert some of their chances into goals.

Conversely, Manchester United might struggle to break through, although we do think it’s probable that they will manage to score at least once.

Therefore, we predict a controlled 3-1 victory for Manchester City at the conclusion of the game.