Initial Observations and Head-To-Head
The 142nd FA Cup final will include a Manchester derby for the first time when treble-chasing Manchester City and vengeful rivals and EFL Cup winners Manchester United square off on Saturday afternoon beneath the famed arch of Wembley Stadium. The Red Devils are vying for the renowned trophy for a 13th time, while the Citizens are attempting to win England’s oldest trophy for the seventh time in their existence. Man City is attempting to make history by becoming the first English side since rivals Man United in 1998-99 to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season, four years after achieving the first-ever domestic quadruple in English football.
With Pep Guardiola’s team finishing the Premier League season five points ahead of their closest rivals Arsenal, the Citizens have already won one trophy after winning the top division championship for the third consecutive year and for the fifth time in six seasons. A heavily rotated City team lost 1-0 to Brentford in their last league game of the year on Sunday, ending their remarkable 25-game undefeated streak across all competitions with one eye on their quest for the triple. Guardiola, though, has prudently limited the playing time of his first-team stars over the last two weeks and hopes they have heeded his advice to temporarily ‘separate’ from the rigors of their busy schedule to prepare for Saturday’s titanic fight with their rivals. Also Read: Barcelona beats 10-man Osasuna with the help of Jordi Alba’s goal.
Manchester City News
Due to minor injuries or fitness concerns, Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, Ruben Dias, and Manuel Akanji were all absent from the team’s loss at Brentford. However, Guardiola has since verified that all four players have participated in training this week and are “more or less fine” to play on Saturday. Stefan Ortega, who has five shutouts in as many FA Cup games en route to this year’s final, will start in goal instead of first-choice shot-stopper Ederson, according to Guardiola. After making his hamstring injury comeback against Brentford, Nathan Ake began and played for a little over an hour. The Dutch defender is in the running to keep his spot on the left side, while John Stones is expected to go to the right side.
Manchester United News
Concerning Man United, Ten Hag acknowledged that Antony is “unlikely” to play in the championship game after failing to advance in his ankle injury recovery. Anthony Martial has also been ruled out due to a hamstring injury, joining Tom Heaton (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Marcel Sabitzer, Donny van de Beek, and Lisandro Sabitzer in the treatment room. Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, a former player of Manchester City, will likely occupy the flanks in Antony’s anticipated absence, with top scorer Marcus Rashford taking Martial’s place at the front of the line. Midfield’s anchor Casemiro, who scored with Rashford in United’s most recent appearance at Wembley in the EFL Cup final, is set to play up next to Bruno Fernandes and either.
Predicted Lineups and Scores
Manchester City’s possible starting lineup:
Ortega; Walker, Dias, Ake; Stones, Rodri; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Haaland
Manchester United’s possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
Man City: Man united
2:1
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