This weekend’s FA Cup final promises to be an exciting battle between two derby rivals as Manchester United face Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Under Erik ten Hag’s guidance, United secured a third-place finish in the Premier League standings this season. Recently, they secured a 2-1 win against Fulham and will need to put in a strong effort to win again in this weekend’s final.
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Meanwhile, City have clinched the Premier League title yet again and are considered among the top teams in global football. However, they lost 0-1 to Brentford last week and will look to bounce back in this game.
Manchester City vs Manchester United match preview
In a highly-expected FA Cup final, Manchester City and Manchester United will clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Manchester City, aiming for their seventh FA Cup triumph, will look to secure a historic win. Meanwhile, Manchester United will look to secure their 13th FA Cup title to add the coveted trophy to their collection.
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Four years after achieving the domestic quadruple, Manchester City have the opportunity to replicate history by becoming the first English team since Manchester United in the 1998-99 season to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single campaign. Guardiola’s side have already clinched the Premier League title for the third consecutive year. They finished five points ahead of their closest rivals, Arsenal.
Despite their 25-match unbeaten run being stopped by a 1-0 loss to Brentford in their final league fixture, Guardiola carefully managed his first-team players’ minutes in preparation for the monumental clash against their rivals.
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Manchester City, the highest-scoring team in this season’s FA Cup with 17 goals, have an impeccable record in major domestic cup finals under Guardiola, winning all five since his arrival in 2016. However, they have struggled at Wembley recently, losing four of their last six visits. They also failed to score in three of those matches. Nonetheless, the prospect of claiming FA Cup glory against Manchester United to bolster their treble aspirations is undoubtedly enticing, especially after their 2-1 defeat in the most recent derby encounter in January.
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In their 21st FA Cup final, which equals Arsenal’s record, Manchester United enter the showdown with confidence. They secured third place in the Premier League and secured Champions League qualification by winning their last four matches. Under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, the team rebounded impressively from early-season defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford. Having already clinched the EFL Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United, United are now eager to secure their first-ever domestic cup double.
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Ten Hag, who has been praised by Guardiola as an “exceptional manager,” has revitalized Manchester United. He aims to halt Manchester City’s treble pursuit by winning the FA Cup. The Red Devils progressed to the final by overcoming Everton, Reading, West Ham United, Fulham, and Brighton. They won their first four ties by a 3-1 margin before advancing past Brighton in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the semi-finals.
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Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Blaswich; Simakan, Orban, Klostermann, Halstenberg; Laimer, Haidara; Szoboszlai, Olmo; Nkunku, Werner
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Trapp; Tuta, Hasebe, Ndicka; Buta, Rode, Sow, Lenz; Lindstrom, Gotze; Kolo Muani
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Manchester City vs Manchester United prediction
RB Leipzig have been in form throughout the season and will look to end their campaign with the all prestigious trophy. The combination of Christopher Nkunku and Timo Werner can to make a significant impact in this weekend’s crucial match.
While Eintracht Frankfurt has demonstrated glimpses of potential this season, they have some areas to address before this game. Currently, RB Leipzig holds the upper hand as the stronger team, making them the likely favorites to emerge victorious in this encounter.
Prediction: Flamengo 2-0 Fluminense
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Date, kick-off time, venue
Manchester City will take on Manchester United in the FA Cup Final at 3pm BST on June 3 2023 at the Wembley Stadium.