MANCHESTER CITY and Manchester United face off in the FA Cup for the second consecutive year TODAY!
Only one team can emerge victorious at Wembley.
Last year, City triumphed in this fixture.
Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, breaking the deadlock after just 12 seconds.
Bruno Fernandes equalized for United before halftime with a much-needed penalty.
But Gundogan struck again in the 51st minute, securing a 2-1 win for City, who went on to complete a historic Treble.
This time, there is no Champions League final awaiting Pep Guardiola’s men.
However, they have already secured a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The Etihad club is eager to achieve a Double with more FA Cup glory after defeating Chelsea in the semifinals.
For United, even more is at stake.
Erik ten Hag’s side finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest-ever position, missing out on a place in Europe.
But if United wins on Saturday, they will secure a Europa League spot at Chelsea’s expense, pushing them into the Conference League and leaving Newcastle empty-handed.
Victory could also save Ten Hag’s job, while defeat would likely end his two-year tenure.
Confidence isn’t high after United nearly crashed out in the semis with a nervy penalty shootout win against Championship side Coventry.
Form
Excluding their penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid, Man City hasn’t been beaten in 90 minutes by another team in their last 35 matches. They are on a six-game winning streak, and confidence is high among their squad.
United ended the season with wins against Newcastle and Brighton but suffered defeats to Crystal Palace and Arsenal earlier, with their defense looking particularly vulnerable.
Team News
Man City is set to have a near-fully fit squad for the FA Cup final. The only confirmed absentee is Ederson, who suffered a fractured eye socket against Tottenham, meaning Stefan Ortega will start in goal. Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake are expected to be fully fit. Otherwise, City has no major concerns.
United hopes to welcome Harry Maguire back after injury. There is a chance Luke Shaw could play, while Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, and Mason Mount might pass late fitness tests. However, Tyrell Malacia will miss out, as the left-back isn’t scheduled to return until July.
Star Players
City can strike from anywhere at any time, but it’s hard to see Phil Foden having a quiet game after being crowned Premier League Player of the Year. United also has dangerous options, with Bruno Fernandes expected to be their talisman once more.
Manager Quotes
Pep Guardiola: “I start to think about no-one has done four in a row, why don’t we try? And now I feel it’s done, so what next? FA Cup. Gary Lineker told me that no team has done back-to-back Premier Leagues and FA Cups.
“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 right now I don’t know what exactly the motivation is to do it [next season] because it’s difficult to find it when everything is done.
“But knowing the players and myself I know that when we are there we will say why should we not win today? Why should we not work as much as possible to do what we have to do? And I know we are going to do it.”
Erik ten Hag: “It’s fantastic. A cup final. Such a great event. As a kid, you want to take part in this and get a look at it. Everyone is really excited to lift this cup.
“We still have a good opportunity, going to the final is a huge achievement and, if you’re in a final, you want to win. It’s all about trophies and we have an opportunity to lift the cup.
“It’s all about winning trophies and, as a result of it, we need to be in Europe and it is our last opportunity.”
SunSport’s Prediction
United always gets up for derby games against City, but with a Double on the line, the Premier League champions have to be favorites. Erling Haaland will surely fancy his chances against United’s shaky backline, and the Red Devils may struggle to score given their recent woes.
Final score: Man City 2, Man Utd 0.
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