Manchester United and their local rivals may have had contrasting seasons, with City being crowned Premier League champions for the fourth time in a row and on their way to the ‘double double’, but Erik ten Hag’s has little chance of winning the title.
City enter FA Cup Final on Saturday at Wembley Stadium as favourites, but all is not lost for the red half of Manchester. Telegraph sportBrazil’s football experts predict the result.
Matt Law
An early red card for a City player, but I would still make Pep Guardiola’s team the favourites.
Chris Bascombe
If City score first and early, FA Cup viewing figures will be slightly lower than City’s title-winning victory against West Ham last weekend. For neutrals, it is essential that United don’t concede in the first half or one of the most tediously predictable finals in history looms.
A bout of food poisoning in City’s team hotel on Friday night or a few shouts from the video assistant referee would help. United can only win if they approach the game in an ‘underdog’ way, similar to Wigan Athletic versus City in 2013. It is a sad reflection on the balance of power that a United win sits alongside the great shocks of the Cup.
John Percy
Despite a terrible season, United showed that they are capable of improving their game against better teams. They should start positively, as one of City’s rare weaknesses is an occasional vulnerability against quick counter-attacks. However, I still expect City’s class to show.
Sam Dean
Nowadays, many football players are not used to consuming large amounts of alcohol. It’s possible that City’s players are still hungover after the title celebrations last weekend? If the sun shines, it might be a little too bright for their liking.
Additionally, pollen counts rise to “moderate” over the weekend. City have been so busy winning games that they may have forgotten to take their antihistamines in recent weeks.
Lucas Edwards
That Manchester City players celebrated winning the title all week and are not in the mood for a Cup final, while Guardiola makes many changes to give some players in the squad some playing time.
Jim Branco
Severe food poisoning at the city camp.
The only thing I want to see
Matt Law
A half-time penalty shootout between Ian Brown and Noel Gallagher, representing each Manchester side.
Chris Bascombe
A quickfire 100 off 45 balls for Jos Buttler and a couple of return wickets for Jofra Archer. Sorry, but Telegraph sportThe Merseyside football correspondent prefers to watch the T20 international between England and Pakistan on Saturday afternoon. There is absolutely nothing that could happen at Wembley that falls into the “I want to see” category.
John Percy
A masterclass from Kevin De Bruyne. With rumors of a possible move to Saudi Arabia this summer, he deserves to go out with a bang.
Sam Dean
Kobbie Mainoo thriving in midfield, receiving the ball under pressure and avoiding challenges. England need a player who can play in that “playmaker” role and Mainoo could be the right man for the role this summer. A promising performance in the FA Cup final would put him in a good position before the start of the Euros.
Lucas Edwards
A win for Manchester City, so Newcastle fans can enjoy more European trips next season. They will only qualify for the Europa Conference League if Manchester United lose the Cup final.
Jim Branco
A tight, close and competitive game rather than the clear blue ride in the sun it threatens to be.
And the score on Saturday will be . . .
Matt Law
Manchester City 3 Manchester United 0
Chris Bascombe
Manchester City 4 Manchester United 0
John Percy
Manchester City 2 Manchester United 1
Sam Dean
Manchester City 2 Manchester United 0
Lucas Edwards
Manchester City 3 Manchester United 1
Jim Branco
Manchester City 3 Manchester United 0 (with Phil Foden scoring the first hat-trick in a Cup final since Stan Mortensen 70 years ago).
