Fresh from clinching a fourth successive Premier League title, Manchester City will aim to pick up another trophy at Wembley Stadium this weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, Pep Guardiola’s side will do battle with arch-rivals Manchester United in a repeat of last year’s FA Cup final.
City defeated United 2-1 last time around, courtesy of a brace from Ilkay Gundogan. Can the champions defend their crown? Or will the Red Devils upset the odds?
The @WembleyStadium arch awaits ✊#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/2PIPST6T1i— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2024
The @WembleyStadium arch awaits ✊#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/2PIPST6T1i
Manchester City secured the Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, finishing two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
As a result, the Cityzens head into the FA Cup final on a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, with six clean sheets coming since their last loss.
When you look at the bigger picture, Man City have avoided defeat in each of their previous 35 matches in normal time, winning 29 of those clashes.
In the FA Cup, Guardiola’s men have racked up 15 goals in five outings this season, averaging three goals per game, in addition to four clean sheets.
As for Manchester United, they finished their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring twice in the final 20 minutes.
Still, Erik ten Hag’s side finished eighth in the final standings – 31 points behind City – after losing 14 of their 38 matches in 2023-24.
The Red Devils avoided a major upset in the FA Cup semi-finals last month, throwing away a 3-0 lead before eventually defeating Coventry City on penalties.
Although Man Utd have scored 14 goals in five FA Cup matches this season, they have also conceded on eight occasions, underlining their defensive frailties.
Head-to-head: City did the league double over United this term, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford before winning the reverse fixture 3-1 back in March.
Across all competitions, the Red Devils have managed to win just one of their previous seven meetings with the Cityzens, suffering six defeats in the process.
Team news: Man City goalkeeper Ederson will miss the final due to a fractured eye socket, meaning Stefan Ortega will continue to deputize between the sticks.
Man Utd’s injury list contains Luke Shaw, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia. There are also question marks over Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial and Victor Lindelof.
Given City’s dominance over United in recent times, Guardiola’s men look destined to add more silverware to their collection.
Forebet predicts that Manchester City will lift the FA Cup trophy on Saturday, scoring over 2.5 goals on their way to victory.