Wembley hosts a high-stakes Manchester Derby on Saturday Manchester United And Manchester city meet in the FA Cup final. For Manchester City, a chance at the double is on the line after securing the Premier League title, while for Manchester United, winning this match is the only chance of European football next season. The Red Devils finished eighth in the Premier League under Erik ten Hag, but a win would send them to the Europa League Chelseas spotting and sending the Blues to the Europa Conference League.
While the match takes place between teams who have finished the Premier League season with a difference of 31 points, Manchester United’s FA Cup run is something that shows that league form does not always matter. United needed extra time and a winner in the 121st minute of play to get past Liverpool in the quarter-finals, followed by a penalty shootout win over Coventry City after leading 3–0. United’s run has been one full of drama, while City progressed with relative ease, scoring eight goals in the last two rounds while conceding just two.
Pep Guardiola’s machine has been in full force this season, but they have already been knocked out in two cups, showing that nothing can be taken for granted. Despite enjoying the Premier League title, Guardiola promised his team would be committed to this match.
“What I want is for my players to enjoy two or three days and then we have two days to prepare for the final, but at the moment I don’t know exactly what the motivation is to do it.” [next season] because it is difficult to find it when everything is ready,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “But because I know the players and I know myself, I know that when we get there, we will say: why not win today? Why not work as much as possible to do what we have to do? And I know we will going to do.” .”
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday May 25 | Time: 10am ET
- Place: Wembley Stadium — London
- TV: None | Live stream: ESPN+
- Chances: Manchester City-310; Sign +430; Manchester United +750
Players to watch
Phil Foden: After being named Premier League Player of the Season and also scoring a goal to secure the title, Foden has been crucial for Manchester City this season and his role is only increasing. At just 23 years old, Foden scored 27 goals and assisted a further 11 in all competitions this season. With two goals in the FA Cup, he will be looked to again for Manchester City against their rivals. Foden has already scored three goals against United this season and one more could be enough to win another trophy during his illustrious career.
Bruno Fernandes: Although the season has been a rollercoaster for Manchester United, Fernandes is still effective with fifteen goals and twelve assists. Three goals and two assists have been achieved in the FA Cup tie, with the United captain having to push his team forward as all positions around him have been switched. With Rasmus Hojlund back in contention for a starting position, Fernandes will have an outlet to take the pressure off him, but if a big move is to be made, United will still be looking in his direction.
Prediction
While it will be an exciting match, the sting of missing out on back-to-back Champions League titles will push Manchester City to do everything they can to beat their rivals and win the FA Cup. Score: Manchester City 2, Manchester United 1
