Manchester City vs Manchester United Match Preview: Kick-off Time, Team News, Predicted line-up and Score Prediction
Manchester City and Manchester United meet again at Wembley Stadium this weekend in what is a first repeat FA Cup Final since Blackburn vs QPR in 1884 and 1885.
City will be eyeing a league title and FA Cup double for the third time, and heading into this one, they are the ones with all the confidence possible after securing the league title last Sunday against West Ham United.
United have lost consecutive FA Cup finals before, this being in 1957 and 58 against Aston Villa and Bolton. However, after winning their last two games against Newcastle and Brighton, will this good run of form lead them to create what many would see as an FA Cup Final upset?
Competition: FA Cup Final
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Kick Off: 15:00 UK Time
TV Channel: BBC 1, ITV
How do Manchester United look?
Although this is United’s final game of the 2023/24 season, the injury problems that have plagued the Red Devils throughout the season look as though they are beginning to ease.
Mason Mount was pictured back in training this week, after just 19 appearances in his debut season for United, he will be hoping he can make the difference if he is fit to play on Saturday afternoon.
A big boost for United last weekend was seeing the return to the starting XI for Lisandro Martinez, a defender with a major impact, especially against the top sides. However, Martinez hasn’t been the only man to make a return this month, as captain Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane all returned to the squad. Victor Lindelof could also return this weekend as well as Anthony Martial who could make his final appearance for United.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has ruled both Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire out of this one after suffering setbacks in their ongoing injuries days after being called up to England’s Euro 2024 provisional squad.
Predicted lineup
In recent game weeks, ten Hag has decided to switch things up and start without a recognised striker in a 4-2-2-2 formation, and I believe he will do the same here, with an unchanged side from the win against Brighton:
Andre Onana (GK), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB), Lisandro Martinez (CB), Casemiro (CB), Diogo Dalot (LB), Sofyan Amrabat (CDM), Kobbie Mainoo (CDM), Alejandro Garnacho (LW), Amad Diallo (RW), Scott McTominay (CF), Bruno Fernandes (CF).
Opposition
After securing a fourth Premier League title in a row last weekend, Manchester City will be looking to make it a domestic double in the FA Cup Final on Saturday. Having not lost a game in any competition for 35 matches, United faces stiff competition to break this City side down and take the cup back to the red side of Manchester.
City have faced some of their own injury problems as well this season, including one going into this final. Their only confirmed man to be missing the clash with United is goalkeeper Ederson, however, they have more than enough backup in the form of Stefan Ortega.
Guardiola will need to make a decision on how attacking he wants to go, will he play Jeremy Doku on the wing or go more conservative with a ball-playing midfielder such as Mateo Kovacic?
Key Stats
Manchester United have lost six of their last seven meetings with Manchester City in all competitions (W1), including each of their last three in a row. They last lost four consecutive times to City between 2013 and 2014.
Manchester United have won five of their last seven FA Cup games against Manchester City. However, both defeats in that run have come in games at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester United are looking to achieve FA Cup glory for the 13th time, something only Arsenal have done more (14).
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 35 matches in all competitions (W29, D6), and are looking to win an eighth FA Cup, and for the first time ever in consecutive years.
Prediction
Although United have found some form in their previous two matches, I can’t see City losing at the final hurdle. The clinical ness and sheer defensive excellence will shine through, and I predict a 2-1 win in favour of the Premier League winners, similar to how the FA Cup Final played out last year.
