Manchester City v Manchester United: Prediction, Tips and Odds for the FA Cup final

Manchester City have become the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles and are now aiming to be the first to achieve back-to-back league and FA Cup doubles.

However, they are up against a Manchester United team eager to atone for a disappointing season by lifting the FA Cup for the 13th time in the club’s history.

A high-scoring game is anticipated by Dan Childs, who has picked out his three best bets for the Wembley encounter.

City are 3/10 to succeed without need of extra-time and 1/7 to lift the trophy, while United are 8/1 to triumph within normal time and 9/2 to claim winners' medals.

Manchester City v Manchester United FA Cup Final tips and predictions

Manchester City and over 3.5 goals - 6/4

City picked up six points against United in the Premier League this season, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford and 3-1 at the Etihad, and they should register a high-scoring success in the FA Cup final.

There has been a recent trend of closely-fought FA Cup finals, including last season’s City versus United encounter which finished 2-1 in the Citizens’ favour.

Of the last eight finals only one (City’s 6-0 demolition of Watford) has featured a victory margin of more than one goal.

But there is a danger of a one-sided affair this weekend due to the gulf between the teams.

United finished eighth in the Premier League - their lowest top-flight position since 1990 - and ended up with a minus one goal difference.

They have lost 19 games in all competitions and were on a run of 11 matches without a clean sheet until last Sunday’s 2-0 success at out-of-form Brighton.

The Red Devils have been getting several players back from injury and will head to Wembley with a bigger squad than they have had for some time, but it may not be sufficient to reach the standards required to give City a serious run for their money.

City were the Premier League’s top scorers and 33 of their 96 goals were scored within the last nine league games.

They upped their performance levels during the run in and could run riot under the Wembley arch.

Phil Foden to score any time - 7/5

It was fitting that Phil Foden played the starring role in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory at home to West Ham and there is every chance of another top performance from the 23-year-old at the national stadium.

Foden’s two goals against the Hammers increased his league tally to 19 and gave City the platform to secure their 28th victory over another memorable Premier League campaign.

He finished joint fourth in the top-flight scoring charts and should continue to excel in front of goal.

Foden registered 48 shots on target in the Premier League this season which is the third highest in the division.

He looked even more dangerous from a central role against West Ham and looks a tempting wager to notch in the FA Cup final.

Casemiro to be booked - 5/4

Erik ten Hag has some big calls to make for the final, but he seems highly likely to recall either Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire to play alongside Lisandro Martinez in central defence.

That would mean a change of position for Casemiro, who should be released to play in a more natural holding midfield role.

Casemiro has had to get used to playing as an emergency central defender and made high-profile errors in the losses away to Crystal Palace (4-0) and at home to Arsenal (1-0).

He was more assured in the recent wins at home to Newcastle (3-2) and away to Brighton (2-0) but was booked on both occasions.

The Brazilian will no doubt appreciate playing as a midfielder at Wembley, but he may need a little time to readjust to the physical and tactical demands of the position.

Casemiro is used to playing in the big games but he faces a really tough task in a key area of the pitch and might overstep the mark with his tackling, leading to a third successive match caution.

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Manchester City v Manchester United FA Cup Final odds

Manchester City- 3/10
Draw - 19/4
Manchester United - 8/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdraw or change at any time.