FA Cup Final Preview: Manchester City vs. Manchester United

On June 3rd, football fans around the world will witness a historic event as the FA Cup final brings together the two powerhouses of Manchester football, Manchester City and Manchester United – Read our full FA Cup final preview below.

This will be the first time ever that the FA Cup final will feature a Manchester Derby, adding an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the occasion. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 local time.

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Manchester City: Treble on the horizon

Manchester City enters the final as the pre-match favourites, having clinched the Premier League title and displaying dominant form throughout their FA Cup campaign.

Under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, City have been relentless, scoring an impressive 17 goals without conceding in their five previous matches in the competition.

Guardiola has urged his squad to “disconnect” in the build-up to such a huge clash in the hope they can refocus after failing to win their final two league clashes of the season (D1, L1)

City are yet to concede a goal in this season’s FA Cup. In the Football League era (since 1888-89), only two teams have won the trophy without conceding a goal – Preston North End in 1889 and Bury in 1903.

Manchester United: Ten Hag’s treble deniers

Manchester United, are no strangers to success themselves being one of Football’s most decorated clubs, but it is their rivals who are starting to emulate the Reds’ previous successes, something which cannot happen if you’re a red.

United have already lifted the Carabao Cup this season and will be determined to deny their local rivals from matching their accomplishments of the famous treble in ’99.

United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has emphasised that the final is not just about stopping City, but about winning the FA Cup.

Ten Hag on City: “We beat them in January. These players know when they play at their levels they can compete. We play against the best team, but there is a chance. We can’t find excuses to ourselves after. I’m sure we will play a good game.” #MUFChttps://t.co/hP9bLlxfUg

— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) May 28, 2023

United finished the Premier League season in the top three, riding a wave of momentum with four consecutive victories confirming top 4 status and Champions League football.

Key Players

Key players to watch for Manchester City obviously include the Premier League’s top goal scorer Erling Haaland, who has been instrumental in their charge towards the treble. Haaland has already scored an impressive 52 goals this season, including a hat-trick in a 6-3 victory against United earlier in the campaign.

For Manchester United, Marcus Rashford may hold the key to beating their arch rivals. Should Rashford score he would be the 6th United player to score in both domestic finals in a season along with Norman Whiteside, Mark Hughes, Brian McClair, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesse Lingard (Casemiro also has the opportunity having scored v Newcastle in the League Cup final this year).

Statistics

City has a perfect record in domestic finals under Guardiola, further boosting their confidence heading into the match.

Interestingly, Just one of the last 15 H2H meetings ended level after 90 minutes (City: W8, L6 – United: W6, L8).

This will be the third meeting between City and United at Wembley Stadium, with the other two both coming in 2011. The Citizens won an FA Cup semi-final tie 1-0, while the Red Devils won 3-2 in the Community Shield.

United have won five of their last six FA Cup meetings with City, most recently a 3-2 away win in January 2012. The only exception in that run was a semi-final victory for Man City in 2010-11, City are a completely different animal compared to pre 2012, though.

Where to Watch FA Cup Final

In the United Kingdom, fans can catch the FA Cup final on various platforms, including BBC Sport Web, STV Scotland, ITVX, BBC iPlayer, BBC One, ITV 1 UK, STV Player, and UTV.

In the United States, the TV rights are held by ESPN+. Supporters from other countries can find online streaming options to enjoy the game.

Possible FA Cup Final 2023 Starting Line-ups:

Manchester City (3-2-4-1): Ederson; Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake; John Stones, Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundoğan, Jack Grealish; Erling Haaland.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw; Casemiro, Christian Eriksen; Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Marcus Rashford.

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FA Cup Final Betting Markets

There are a number of typical football betting markets available, however it’s useful to study the bookies and see which ones are offering specials and promotional campaigns on the FA Cup final.

Read our FA Cup Betting Guide

1. Full-time result: Predicting the final outcome of the match at the end of regulation time. This market allows you to bet on which team will win, or if the match will end in a draw.
2. Double chance: This market offers increased chances of winning by allowing you to bet on two possible outcomes for the match. For example, you can bet on either team to win or the game to end in a draw.
3. Next goal: Wagering on which team will score the next goal during the game. This market adds excitement as you anticipate which team will find the back of the net next.
4. Total goals: Betting on the total number of goals scored in the match. You can wager on whether the match will be high-scoring or low-scoring, providing different betting options.
5. Title winner: Placing bets on which club will be crowned champions or qualify for the play-offs. This market allows you to make predictions before or during the season, adding long-term engagement.
6. Asian handicap: A form of handicap betting that aims to even out the playing field by giving one team a virtual advantage. This market offers more balanced odds by adjusting the perceived strength of the teams.
7. Last team to score: Predicting which team will score the final goal in the match. This market adds an extra layer of excitement as you analyse the game and make your predictions.
8. Next goal scorer: Betting on the player who will score the next goal in the game. This market allows you to focus on individual players and their goal-scoring abilities.

The FA Cup Final is set to be a very intriguing match. Even more pressure than a typical final with this set to divide Manchester in two halves of red and blue.

Best Championship Play-off Final Bookmakers

When it comes to identifying the optimal bookmakers for betting on the FA Cup Final, there are several considerations to take into account. Here are some crucial factors to bear in mind:

1. Live betting options: Seek bookmakers that offer an extensive selection of in-play markets, allowing you to place bets while the match unfolds. Additionally, access to live streaming of matches can greatly enhance your betting experience.
2. Special promotions: Verify if the bookmaker provides exclusive promotions specifically tailored for the FA Cup final. These could include enhanced odds, free bets, or other bonuses related to the match.
3. Variety of betting markets: Ensure that the bookmaker offers a diverse range of betting markets for the FA Cup Final. This allows you to choose from numerous options and find bets that align with your betting strategy and preferences.
4. Competitive odds: Compare the odds offered by different bookmakers to ensure you’re maximising the value of your bets. Be on the lookout for price boosts or enhanced odds for specific matches or markets, as they can enhance your potential winnings.
5. Payment methods: Check the available payment methods offered by the bookmaker, ensuring they are secure, convenient, and suitable for your needs. Consider factors such as processing times, fees, and the availability of your preferred payment options.
6. Reputation and reliability: Prior to placing your bets, conduct research on the bookmaker’s reputation and reliability. Look for customer reviews, ratings, and feedback to ensure the bookmaker is trustworthy and provides a positive betting experience.

By taking these factors into account and conducting thorough research, you can discover the bookmaker that aligns perfectly with your needs for the FA Cup. Remember to always engage in responsible gambling and stay within your financial limits.

Best Bookmaker Offers for the Championship Play-off Final 2023

Full list of the best welcome offers from the best bookmakers for the Championship play-off final: