Match Preview: Manchester City vs. Manchester United - prediction, team news, lineups
The 142nd FA Cup final is set to showcase a Manchester derby at Wembley Stadium as Manchester City, chasing a treble, face bitter rivals Manchester United. City, aiming to secure their seventh FA Cup title, will be up against United, who are vying for their 13th triumph in the prestigious competition.
Having previously achieved the historic domestic quadruple in English football four years ago, Manchester City now have an opportunity to replicate that success. They could become the first English team since Manchester United in the 1998-99 season to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same campaign. Pep Guardiola's side has already clinched the Premier League title for the third consecutive year, finishing five points clear of their closest challengers, Arsenal. Despite a 1-0 loss to Brentford in their final league game, which ended their remarkable 25-match unbeaten run, Guardiola has managed the minutes of his key players and hopes they have refreshed themselves mentally for the colossal battle against their rivals.
While City's primary focus may be the upcoming Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul, they are determined to claim their 12th FA Cup title. The Citizens have maintained an impressive record in this season's FA Cup, not conceding a single goal thus far and scoring the most goals in the tournament. Guardiola's team has defeated formidable opponents like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Sheffield United, with Riyad Mahrez's hat-trick securing a convincing 3-0 victory against the latter in the semi-finals. Although they have lost four of their last six visits to Wembley and failed to score in three of those matches, City will be motivated to triumph over United, having suffered a 2-1 defeat in their most recent derby clash in January.
On the other hand, Manchester United enters their 21st FA Cup final in high spirits. They finished the Premier League season strongly, winning their last four matches to secure third place and secure Champions League football for the next campaign. Under manager Erik ten Hag, United ended their six-year trophy drought by clinching the EFL Cup earlier in the season. They defeated Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley to claim the title. The Red Devils will relish the opportunity to thwart City's treble ambitions by winning the FA Cup. Although they head into the final as slight underdogs, United can draw inspiration from their recent FA Cup record against City, having emerged victorious in five of their last six meetings.
In terms of team news, City has a few players with minor injuries or fitness concerns, such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji. Guardiola faces the decision of choosing between Ederson and Stefan Ortega for the goalkeeper position. Captain Ilkay Gundogan is set to return to the midfield, while Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, and Riyad Mahrez will compete for a place in the attacking lineup. Erling Braut Haaland, who scored a hat-trick in their previous 6-3 victory over United, is expected to lead the line.
For Manchester United, Anthony Martial has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, while Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer, Donny van de Beek, and Tom Heaton are also unavailable. However, there is a possibility that Antony could recover in time for the final. Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane are set to return to the starting lineup, while Marcus Rashford and Casemiro are likely to feature prominently in the team.
In summary, the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United promises an exciting showdown between two fierce rivals. City, aiming for a historic treble, will rely on their strong attacking force, while United, seeking
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