English Premier League champions Manchester City are aiming for their second consecutive title in this competition as they face Manchester United in the 2023-24 FA Cup final on Saturday.
Manchester United wrapped up their Premier League season with victories over Newcastle and Brighton, finishing in eighth place. Erik ten Hag’s side needs to win the FA Cup to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League; a loss would mean no European football for them next season.
Match Key Points:
- Manchester City are the overwhelming favourites to win the FA Cup.
- City have a chance to beat United three times in the same season for the first time since 1969-70, having already secured a league double over them this term.
- Manchester United have lost six of their last seven encounters with City in all competitions, including the last three in a row.
Detailed Match Preview
After years in the shadow of Manchester City, Manchester United are hoping for a strong performance against their rivals in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. This match is more than just a title decider; it’s a battle for city supremacy and a critical juncture for both clubs’ seasons.
Manchester City Overview
Pep Guardiola’s team secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham, making them the first English side to win four in a row. They now aim to complete a domestic double under Guardiola’s leadership. Manchester City have been dominant throughout the season, showcasing an impressive blend of tactical acumen and individual brilliance. Their journey to the final included comprehensive victories, underlining their status as favourites.
City’s squad depth and quality have been pivotal. Players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden have been exceptional, consistently delivering match-winning performances. The team’s defensive solidity, marshaled by Ruben Dias and supported by the likes of Kyle Walker and Manuel Akanji, has been crucial in their successful campaign.
Manchester United Overview
In contrast, Manchester United’s manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure after a disappointing season that saw his team finish eighth in the league. Despite a strong finish to their Premier League campaign, the Red Devils have struggled with inconsistency. Their path to the FA Cup final has been fraught with challenges, including a hard-fought victory over Liverpool in the quarter-finals and a penalty shootout win against Coventry City in the semis.
United’s reliance on key players like Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and new talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo has been evident. The defensive pairing of Lisandro Martínez and Raphael Varane will need to be at their best to withstand City’s relentless attack.
Predicted Lineups for the FA Cup Final
Manchester City: Ortega; Gvardiol, Dias, Akanji, Walker; Kovacic, Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Silva; Haaland.
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Martínez, Varane, Wan-Bissaka; Mainoo, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Diallo; Højlund.
Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Manchester City -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Manchester United +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Draw +470
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +102 | U: -142)
Head-to-Head
This final is a repeat of last year’s, where City triumphed 2-1 to complete their league, FA Cup, and Champions League treble. Ilkay Gündogan, now at Barcelona, scored twice, with Bruno Fernandes netting a penalty for United.
City also won both Premier League matches against United this season, with a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford and a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. They last achieved three wins over United in a single season in 1969-70.
Historically, Ten Hag’s United have struggled against City, losing six of their last seven meetings. The last time they lost four in a row to City was between 2013 and 2014. However, United have won five of their last seven FA Cup games against City, though both losses came at Wembley.
This is the first time two Premier League managers will face each other in multiple FA Cup finals, excluding replays.
Recent Form
Manchester City are on an unbeaten streak of 35 matches across all competitions, the second-longest in English top-flight history after Nottingham Forest’s 40 in 1978. They have also won their last 11 FA Cup matches. City’s form has been remarkable, with a strong defensive record and an attacking prowess that has seen them dominate opponents. Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and the ability to rotate his squad effectively have been key factors in maintaining their performance levels.
Manchester United reached the final by defeating Liverpool 4-3 in the quarter-finals and overcoming Coventry City on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the semis. They have rarely conceded 3+ goals in consecutive FA Cup matches. Ten Hag’s side has shown resilience and fighting spirit in their cup run, qualities they will need in abundance to overcome City.
Predictions
Manchester City are expected to control the game. They conceded the fewest shots per game in the Premier League this season (7.74) and just 5.8 per game in the FA Cup. United managed 13 shots in last season’s FA Cup final but have struggled to replicate that this season, with only seven shots at Old Trafford and three at the Etihad.
Moneyline: PASS.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 3.5
City’s expected goals against United were 4.0 on the road and 3.3 at home this season. United’s defense has struggled against them, and City went over 3.5 goals in four of their last six games. United’s offense has also been strong, averaging 1.50 goals per game in the league and scoring in every FA Cup match, with three of their five games exceeding 5.5 goals.
Given these factors, expect a high-scoring game and back OVER 3.5. The combination of City’s attacking firepower and United’s potential to score makes a high-scoring affair likely. With both teams having much at stake, this final promises to be an exciting and intense showdown at Wembley.