FA Cup final: Manchester City vs Manchester United preview & prediction

Manchester City and Manchester United will clash in a blockbuster FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium this Saturday.

The two sides also met each other in the previous edition of the tournament’s final, with City ultimately prevailing by 2-1.

Match Preview

Manchester City clinched their fourth Premier League title in a row on Sunday following their 3-1 win over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.

There was no late drama on the final day of the season as Phil Foden scored two early goals to put the hosts in control.

Mohammed Kudus’ spectacular goal just before the break threatened to make the title race a little interesting, but Rodri’s goal left no doubt about the result of the game.

City’s title defence looked in danger when they were winless in four league games in December.

But Pep Guardiola’s side then went on an excellent run of form in 2024, as we have seen them do so often in the past, to pip Arsenal to the Premier League crown.

Man City, who defeated the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United on their journey to the 2024 FA Cup final, will now head to Wembley to lock horns with Manchester United.

The Red Devils have had an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign, finishing eighth in the English top-flight and crashing out of the Champions League in the group stages.

Manager Erik ten Hag has been facing a lot of scrutiny from fans and pundits, but he could save his job by leading United to FA Cup success.

The Red Devils are on a two-game winning run, defeating Newcastle and Brighton & Hove Albion in their previous two matches.

Team News

City boss Pep Guardiola will not be able to avail the services of Ederson due to injury. But the Brazilian would likely not have been picked anyway as Stefan Ortega has been excellent in cup games.

As for Manchester United, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw will be missing as they haven’t recovered fully yet. But Ten Hag has confirmed that Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial will be available for selection.

Manchester City vs Manchester United potential line-ups

Manchester City: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland

Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes, McTominay; Garnacho, Amad

Manchester City vs Manchester United prediction

United have been defensively vulnerable throughout this season, but that was mainly due to their injury issues. With Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez regaining full fitness, we expect Erik ten Hag’s side to be relatively stronger in defence on Saturday. However, they will have to be at their absolute best to beat City and we don’t see that happening.

Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United