Enda McElhinney’s tips for Saturday’s cup final at Wembley include a win for Pep Guardiola’s side with a familiar face on the scoresheet.
Twelve months on from the first Manchester derby in an FA Cup final the scene is set for another tussle between the Citizens and the Red Devils.
There was another first in the 2023 final with Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan scoring the fastest ever FA Cup final goal (after just 12 seconds) and helping his team to run out 2-1 winners.
United will be eager for revenge as they seek to lift the trophy for a 13th time, but they will be up against a City side fully focused on their efforts to complete a second successive Premier League and FA Cup double.
Best bets
Manchester City and over 3.5 goals
6/4
Phil Foden to score anytime
10/11
Alejandro Garnacho to have a shot on target
10/11
Slick City can make it a double
Manchester City have been drunk on success during the Pep Guardiola era and they can complete another trophy double by sweeping aside Manchester United at Wembley.
The Citizens have secured a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title, prompting Guardiola to question whether there is much left for him and his players to achieve.
Keeping the players hungry is an ongoing challenge for Guardiola but he should have no problems getting them up for a showpiece occasion against their fierce Manchester rivals.
City took six points off of United in the Premier League, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford and 3-1 at the Etihad, and are approaching the final on a seven-game winning sequence.
Their title-clinching 3-1 success at home to West Ham was widely expected but it featured some scintillating football, especially in the opening 40 minutes.
United were also final day winners with second half goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund securing a 2-0 triumph at Brighton, but they finished eighth in the league and must win the FA Cup final to achieve Europa League qualification for next season.
The Red Devils have lots to play for and Erik ten Hag has a few more options to ponder with several players closing in on a return from injury layoffs.
But the Dutchman is short of players he can truly rely on for such a demanding occasion and it is hard to see his charges upsetting the odds.
City are 2/15 to get their hands on the trophy and should do it in style, ensuring a profit for punters backing the City win and over 3.5 goals at
6/4
.
Foden can apply final flourish
Phil Foden starred on the final day of the Premier League season with two superb goals and he looks an overpriced
10/11
shot to find the net at Wembley.
The 23-year-old has been instrumental to City’s title defence, contributing 19 goals and eight assists.
Foden’s top flight shots on target tally (48) was the third highest in the division and his shooting accuracy could be key to making an impression this weekend.
Garnacho can lead the Red Devils response
Alejandro Garnacho has been arguably the brightest spark of a pretty miserable campaign for Manchester United.
The 19-year-old’s stunning overhead kick at Everton was one of the moments of the season and he will not be afraid to try his luck at the national stadium.
Garnacho posted 28 shots on target in 36 Premier League games and he looks a solid
10/11
wager to force at least one save out of City keeper Stefan Ortega.
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