For the second year in a row, the Manchester Derby will decide the FA Cup winner. Last season, a brace from İlkay Gündoğan secured the trophy for Man City as they completed their treble. Even without Gündoğan this season, the Citizens remain dominant. Just 5 days ago, they clinched a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title with a 3-1 win over West Ham, and now they aim to win the FA Cup in back-to-back seasons for the first time. Consistent with preseason expectations, Pep Guardiola’s team has been near unstoppable this year, going undefeated in their last 35 matches across all competitions over 90 minutes (29 wins, 6 draws). This remarkable streak, the longest by an English team in the Premier League era, surpasses the previous record held by their rivals and current opponents, Manchester United. Phil Foden has been the key to Man City’s excellent form this season. With Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland sidelined for three and two months, respectively, the 23-year-old has stepped up and delivered his best season yet. Scoring 27 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions, he has been unstoppable, and it was no surprise when he was named Premier League Player of the Season. Foden absolutely loves the Manchester Derby. Over the last two seasons, he has scored six goals in this fixture—three this season and a memorable hat-trick in last year’s 6-3 win. It is our bet of the day that he will get on the scoresheet this weekend, and BetKing has the best odds for this market for our online betting customers.
For the Red Devils, there’s a lot at stake: pride, redemption, a European spot, and their jobs. Pride: After losing 6 of the last 7 Manchester derbies, fans are desperate for a win, especially with the FA Cup on the line. Having watched Manchester City match their treble winning feat last season and surpass their 3-peat feat this year, a win on Saturday would, at least, give the red half of Manchester a reason to smile. Redemption: Players like Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Casemiro, who missed out on their national teams’ summer tournaments, have one last chance to end a disappointing season on a high note - lifting a trophy. A European spot: Winning the FA Cup is Man Utd’s only route to European football next season. They finished 8th in the Premier League, their worst ever, with a negative goal difference (-1) despite a final day victory over Brighton. A win would guarantee a spot in the Europa League. Jobs: With new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group making big changes, including executive shake-ups, Erik ten Hag’s future is uncertain. Rumours suggest he might be replaced by the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank or Kieran McKenna. The manager’s job isn’t the only one on the line. Players like Raphaël Varane, Anthony Martial, and Christian Eriksen are also set to leave, making this a critical game for other players. Some might argue it’s an even bigger match for Man Utd than for Man City.
**Head To Head** On Saturday, Man City will aim to make it three wins out of three against Man Utd this season. The last time they beat their neighbours three times in one season was back in 1969/70, and they’re favoured to do it again at Wembley. Since Erik ten Hag arrived in England, he’s lost 4 out of 5 meetings with Pep Guardiola, including last year’s FA Cup final. Man City has scored 3 or more goals in 3 of those 4 wins, including both league games this season. Historically, Manchester United have a good record against Man City in the FA Cup with 5 wins in 7 matches, but two of those losses have come at Wembley (the 2011 semi-final and the 2023 final). - Manchester City 6 - 3 Manchester United [EPL] - Manchester United 2 - 1 Manchester City [EPL] - Manchester City 2 - 1 Manchester United [FA Cup Final] - Manchester United 0 - 3 Manchester City [EPL] - Manchester City 3 - 1 Manchester United [EPL]
**Form** Manchester City: The Citizens wrapped up the season with 8 wins in their last 10 games across all competitions. The only two games they didn’t win were against Real Madrid, both ending in draws after 90 minutes. During this stretch, they’ve kept five clean sheets and scored 30 goals, averaging 3 goals per game. Last 5 Games:W-W-W-W-W. Manchester United: The Red Devils finished the season with two wins, but their recent form has been far from impressive. In their last 10 games across all competitions, they’ve only won 4, and one of those was on penalties after blowing a 3-goal lead to Coventry in the semi-final of this competition. During this 10-game stretch, they’ve kept just one clean sheet and conceded 21 goals. Last 5 Games: D-L-L-W-W.
**Team News** Manchester City: Goalie Ederson is the only one missing for the English champs. The Brazilian keeper suffered an eye socket fracture in their 2-0 win over Spurs two weeks ago and had to leave the game. Even if he was fit, it wouldn’t matter much since Stefan Ortega has been Pep Guardiola’s go-to for the FA Cup and League Cup over the years. Apart from Ederson, Man City has a completely healthy squad for this match. Manchester United: Injuries have been a major issue for Erik ten Hag this season. The Red Devils have had the most injuries in the Premier League with 45 (Man City’s 26 injuries has them ranked as the 7th healthiest squad this season). Man Utd’s defense has been hit hardest, with Casemiro having to play as a center-back in the last month. Though Lisandro Martinez, Raphaël Varane, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelöf are all available, they’re not fully fit. So, ten Hag will probably keep Casemiro in the back-line. The only definite absentee for Manchester United is Harry Maguire, who’s still recovering from a muscle injury.
**Expected Line-Up** Manchester City: Ortega / Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol / Rodri, Foden, De Bruyne, Silva, Doku / Haaland Manchester United: Onana / Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Martinez, Dalot / Mainoo, Amrabat, Diallo, Garnacho, McTominay / Fernandes **What The Numbers Say…** - Manchester Utd have managed just one clean sheet in their last 12 games. - Manchester City have scored at least 2 goals in 10 of their last 12 matches. - Man Utd have lost 6 of their last 7 meetings against Man City in all competitions (W1). - Phil Foden has 6 goals in his last 5 Manchester derbies. - “Both teams to Score” has been a successful market in 5 of the last 6 Manchester derbies. - Man City has scored 15 goals in 5 games against Man Utd since Erik ten Hag took over - an average of 3 goals per game. **Betting Tips:**
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