Best Odds: 7/4
Bookmaker:
With all eyes falling on Wembley this weekend, Manchester City will look to officially be crowned double-champions when they meet bitter local rivals Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester City
Starting with Manchester City, while Pep Guardiola’s men might have suffered Champions League heartbreak last month as they relinquished their maiden European crown, the Sky Blues have only continued on another record-breaking domestic romp. Officially getting their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League title last weekend as they eventually held off Arsenal’s charge thanks to a 3-1 victory at home against West Ham, the former Barcelona boss will certainly be relishing a trip to Wembley on Saturday afternoon. Looking to complete another famous double-winning campaign here, City have enjoyed an astonishing domestic flurry since opening the New Year. Not suffering a single defeat against Premier League opposition since the start of December, Guardiola’s men will be confident of making another heavyweight statement here. Enjoying a real free-scoring run in the final third, it won’t be a surprise to many that the Sky Blues are pencilled in as a landslide contender this weekend.
Team News
Sustaining a fractured eye socket against Tottenham earlier in the month, Manchester City have already confirmed that Brazil shot-stopper Ederson will not feature at Wembley this weekend. Continuing to shine when handed a chance between the sticks, Stefan Ortega will once again deputise for Ederson on Saturday afternoon.
Bagging a stunning brace against West Ham last weekend and officially crowned Premier League Player of the Season, England international Phil Foden will certainly play a leading role in the capital. Storming his way to another Golden Boot this year, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge at Wembley.
Manchester United
As for Manchester United, while the Reds might have signed off the 2023/24 campaign with back-to-back Premier League victories, Saturday’s trip to Wembley could be Erik ten Hag’s final game in the dugout. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny this season and failing to book any kind of European adventure for next year, the former Ajax boss has found a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford. Failing to find any kind of stability under the Dutch tactician, United will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge in the capital. Hit with a 3-1 loss when they travelled to the Etihad for a Premier League showdown on March 3rd, ten Hag’s men will be concerned by a nightmare record against their bitter local rivals. Losing six of their previous seven meetings across all competitions, the Reds’ leaky defence will face a string of questions here.
Team News
Returning to first-team training last week, former Real Madrid star Raphael Varane could make a full return in what will be a final appearance for Manchester United. Likewise, in what could be a timely boost for the Reds on Saturday afternoon, Argentina International Lisandro Martinez will make consecutive domestic starts for the first time since the start of February.
Coming off the bench and finding the net against Brighton last weekend, Rasmus Hojlund will make a full recall and lead ten Hag’s charge here. While England international Marcus Rashford might have recently returned from a minor knock, the 26-year-old will likely settle for a spot on the bench at Wembley.
Key Factors to Consider
