MANCHESTER CITY and Manchester United face each other in the FA Cup for the second year in a row TODAY!
And only one side can emerge victorious at Wembley.
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It was City who emerged victorious in this game a year ago.
Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history to open the scoring after just 12 seconds.
Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for United before half-time with a much-needed penalty.
But Gundogan struck again as his 51st-minute goal secured a 2-1 victory for City as they completed a historic treble.
This time, there is no Champions League final for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Even so, they have already won their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
And the Etihad club will be desperate to achieve a double with more FA Cup glory after beating Chelsea in the semi-finals.
As for United, there is even more at stake.
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Erik ten Hag’s side finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest ever position.
This means they lost a place in Europe.
But if United win on Saturday they will secure a place in the Europa League at Chelsea’s expense, pushing them into the Conference League and leaving Newcastle empty-handed.
Victory could also save Lt Hag’s job, while defeat would certainly mean the end of his two years in command.
And confidence won’t be high after United almost crashed out of the semi-finals with a nervy penalty shootout win against Championship side Coventry.
What is their shape like?
Excluding the penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid, Man City have not been beaten in 90 minutes by another team in their last 35 matches.
They are on a six-game winning streak and their team’s confidence is high.
United ended the season with victories over Newcastle and Brighton.
But before that, they suffered defeats to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, with their defense looking particularly vulnerable.
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Team News
Man City should have a near-fit squad for the FA Cup final.
The only confirmed absentee is Ederson, who fractured his eye socket against Tottenham,
This means that Stefan Ortega will be between the sticks.
While Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake are expected to be fully fit.
But City have few other concerns about the suitability of all their other players.
Meanwhile, United are hoping to welcome Harry Maguire back into the squad after injury.
There’s an outside chance Luke Shaw will see some action.
While Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount managed to pass late fitness tests.
But Tyrell Malacia will be left out, as the left-back is only expected to return in July.
Star men
The city can attack from anywhere at any time.
But it’s hard to imagine Phil Foden having a quiet game after being named Premier League Player of the Year.
As for United, they also have some dangerous options.
But Bruno Fernandes will once again be his talisman.
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What did the managers say?
Pep Guardiola: “I’m starting to think no one has done four games in a row, why don’t we try? And now I feel like it’s done, so what’s next? FA Cup. Gary Lineker told me no team has done consecutive Premier Leagues and Cups in England.
“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 at the moment I don’t know exactly what the motivation is to do so. [next season] because it’s hard to find it when everything is done.
“But knowing the players and myself, I know when we’re out there we’re going to say why shouldn’t we win today? .”
Erik ten Witch: “It’s fantastic. A cup final. A big event. As a kid you want to take part and have a look. Everyone is really excited to lift this trophy.
“We still have a good opportunity, reaching the final is a great achievement and if you are in the final you want to win. It’s all about trophies and we have the opportunity to lift the trophy.
“It’s all about winning trophies and as a result of that we need to be in Europe and this is our last chance.”
SunSport Prediction
United always prepare for derby games against City.
But with a double on the line, the Premier League kings have to be favourites.
Erling Haaland will certainly like his chances against United’s fragile defense.
And the Red Devils may even struggle to score after their recent problems.
Final score: Man City 2 Man Utd 0
Why Man Utd should win the FA Cup
ERIK TEN HAG says Manchester United must repay their world-class fans with an FA Cup triumph after their dismal league season, writes Tom Barclay.
United finished eighth, their worst ever result, despite winning 2-0 on the final day at Brighton.
They have also emerged from a miserable campaign with a negative goal difference – but they could still win a trophy when they face Manchester City in the cup final next week.
The visiting fans roared themselves hoarse, as they had throughout the period despite the poor results.
Boss Ten Hag said: “We have the best fans in the world and I mean it.
“I have never had this experience when you have a season like ours, which by far is not good enough, for the fans to be with us.
“They are with us in the bad season and in the bad moments they are there. I think they also know why there are hard times.
“But we have to give back and do everything to give them a trophy next week, but also for the future, we have to perform better.”
United won thanks to late goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund.
But for the second game in a row, Hojlund started the match on the bench while United opted for a false nine – a hint as to how United will position themselves in the cup final.
That’s how they played in the 3-1 defeat to City in March at the Etihad in the league too.
Ten Hag added: “It’s a luxury problem. Both formations can be a success because we can set up like we did at the Etihad, where we were a threat with movement behind.
“But of course with Rasmus Hojlund in this form it is absolutely a consideration and a thought that we have to consider.
“You not only need 11 players in a tough final, you also need a bench.”
Hojlund’s tally now stands at 16 goals in his debut season after the 21-year-old arrived from Atalanta for £72m last summer.
Reflecting on the Dane’s campaign, Ten Hag noted: “It could always be better, but don’t forget he has suffered three injuries this season.
“He arrived injured, missed the start, then got injured before the winter and then got injured after the winter. So every time it broke his rhythm and if you score 16 goals in the first season, it’s okay. And it’s not over yet, we have to play in the FA Cup final.”
When is Man City v Man Utd?
- Man City x Man Utd will take place TODAY – Saturday, May 25th.
- Kick-off will be at 3pm BST.
- Wembley Stadium will be the host.
What TV channel is Man City vs Man Utd on and can it be streamed live?
- Man City vs Man Utd will be broadcast on BBC One and ITV1.
- You can stream the FA Cup final live for FREE via the BBC iPlayer app or the ITVX app.
- Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
What are the hypotheses?
Match result
- City of Man – 3/10
- Draw – 2/9
- Manchester United – 01/07
To lift the trophy
- City of Man – 1/7
- Manchester United – 2/9
*Odds courtesy of Rice power and are correct at the time of publication.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
