Manchester City vs Manchester United
We’re down to the final game of the 2023-24 campaign, as Manchester City defend their FA Cup crown against Manchester United on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
Both teams come into this game in good spirits, as the Sky Blues just won their fourth consecutive Premier League title, while the Red Devils have picked up momentum with two league wins off the bounce.
Manchester United have had a turbulent season, but winning the FA Cup would give them something to write home about this summer. On the other hand, Manchester City can add to their trophy case if they beat their bitter rivals again.
The pre-game SBOTOP betting odds are heavily favouring Pep Guardiola’s men, but does Erik ten Hag have something up his sleeve?
Talking Points
Foden is Manchester City’s biggest threat
With the exception of Ederson (eye), Pep Guardiola will have a relatively healthy squad to choose from, and he is expected to bring out the big guns for this important derby match.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, with 44 goals and 23 assists combined, will give the Red Devils all they can handle. However, the biggest x-factor for the Sky Blues has been Phil Foden.
The 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season award winner has tallied 27 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this year, and he is in great form after notching a brace against West Ham United to clinch their Premier League crown.
But more importantly, Foden has scored six goals in his last five games against Manchester United. The 23-year-old can play as a winger or as a No. 10, depending on how Guardiola sees fit.
If that doesn’t work for Manchester City, then Guardiola can call on Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez off the bench to provide the offencive spark.
One last dance for Martinez and Varane?
Manchester United will have to produce one of their best defencive displays if they are to topple their derby rivals. Fortunately for them, Erik ten Hag will have a bigger squad to choose from this time.
The return of Lisandro Martinez has rejuvenated the Red Devils’ backline, as the team secured its first clean sheet in a while when he started against Brighton on Sunday.
The statistics don’t lie for Licha, as he won 100-per cent of his tackles and 100-per cent of his ground duels, tallied a 92-per cent pass accuracy, 36 passes completed, two clearances, one interception, and one clearance off the line.
Manchester United certainly cannot afford to have either Jonny Evans or Casemiro start again at centre-half, so Erik ten Hag is hoping to have Raphael Varane back, a tried and tested partner for Martinez.
Varane hasn’t played for a long time due to injuries, and he will look to make his final few days at Old Trafford count by trying to win the trophy in his farewell match.
History
This year’s FA Cup final rematch is one year in the making. Last season, it was the Sky Blues who lifted the coveted domestic trophy with a 2-1 win, as Ilkay Gundogan recorded a brace while Bruno Fernandes scored the consolation goal for the Red Devils.
Manchester City completed a league double over Manchester United this season, beating them 3-0 at Old Trafford and 3-1 at the Etihad. If the Sky Blues win again, they will be able to secure a rare season triple over their city rivals for the first time since 1969-70.
However, Manchester United have won five of their last seven FA Cup matches against Manchester City, although both losses in that run have come in games at Wembley Stadium (the 2011 semi-finals and the 2023 final).
Betting Tip
As mentioned, the FA Cup 2024 odds predict that Manchester City will cap off their 2023-24 campaign with another trophy this weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side is at 1.35 odds to win, while Erik ten Hag’s boys are 6.30 underdogs, and a draw after 90 minutes is priced at 4.98 in the 1X2 market.
Both teams should be able to find the back of the net on this one, but expect Manchester City to be on the FA Cup 2024 highlights reel more because of their firepower advantage over Manchester United.
Total Goal 2-3 at 2.22, Total Goal 4-6 at 2.34, and Over 3.00 at 1.69 are viable betting options other than our recommended bet, while a Correct Score of 3-1 for the Sky Blues – the result of their most recent Premier League match – is on offer at 10.00.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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