Manchester City vs Manchester United | Saturday 25 May | Wembley Stadium | 16:00
It is the final domestic cup of the season, the final opportunity for silverware in the English topflight and in this case the final chance to save one’s blushes or indeed complete a double.
It’s the oldest knockout competition in football, it’s a Manchester Derby and a clash at Wembley – it doesn’t get better than this!
To Win (90 mins)
Manchester City 7/20
Draw 42/10
Manchester United 6/1
Manchester City
The Manchester City, Pep Guardiola juggernaut continues to roll on! You can say whatever you like about City – and yes, I am well aware of the off-field noise around their money, charges and so on…but the quality of football this team is able to produce season after season is remarkable. The improvement under Pep’s tutelage that is seen in his players is just as remarkable.
City clinched a fourth League title at the weekend, four of City’s triumphs have come on the final day (and they haven’t always had it all their own way), so if there is a question about the mentality of this team, which can be put to bed almost immediately. They are a brilliant all-round team who have players who can come off the bench and impact the game, should it be required.
For a team so skilled and silky, another aspect which captures my attention in this team is their physicality. It has been on display all season, the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world and within that City have had to deal with some tricky encounters. They are a side very much capable of producing under pressure and so when you see them buoyed by the League win, it is difficult to imagine them not lifting the cup on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United
Fair play to Manchester United, they managed to get over the line against Newcastle and then consolidated that performance against Brighton. United finished 8th in the League, void of any chance to qualify for European participation unless they are able to lift the FA Cup come Saturday.
It has been one of the worst seasons for Manchester United, that is without a doubt, but given the injuries this team has sustained and so the subsequent varying combinations in midfield and in defence, you might be inclined to feel for Erik ten Hag…
My only issue is the fact that it is so difficult to identify the sort of football United are trying to play at the moment. They aren’t counterattacking in nature; they want to build-up and boss the ball at times but lack the quality to do that.
If they stand a chance at getting anything here, they will need to get off to a brilliant start! City cannot get into the ascendency early, because if they do it could be quite a long afternoon for United fans.
Prediction: Manchester City + Over 3.5 (3/1)
I think City win the game, but backing a ton of goals seems a set bet. If United are going to get anything out of the 90 minutes here, they will certainly have to outscore City, but the more likely situation is City go rampant.
United have shown a serious fragility defensively this year and when you are up against a confident and powerful attacking side like City – I think they win and win well.
As always, here’s to hoping I’m wrong, but that might be the delusion kicking in again…
Ryan Liberty