Manchester City look to repeat a league and cup double this weekend, in the second-successive all-Manchester Emirates FA Cup final.
After close to 150 years of tournament history, before last year, City and Manchester had never met. Now in 2024 they do it all again.
And the Cityzens are sizeable 1/3 favourites to win an 18th trophy under Pep Guardiola, and so completing successive domestic doubles for the first time.
With a gap of five FA Cup trophies between them, can United level with Arsenal on 13 or will City keep the crown firmly locked up in the cabinet?
Relentless
City’s final step toward a record fourth-successive Premier League crown was by-and-large, smooth sailing.
Aside from Mohammed Kudus giving Arsenal brief hope last Sunday, City’s eventual crowning was inevitable.
FOUR-IN-A-ROW!!!!
We’re @premierleague champions 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/blRyxjPqJB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024
Unbeaten in all comps since back in December, the Guardiola juggernaut rolls on unabated, and United are next in the crosshairs.
Swansong?
In the opposing dugout, the FA Cup final is likely to be final game in charge of Manchester United for Erik ten Hag.
As reshaping continues behind the scenes, after a season wracked with inconsistencies, the Old Trafford hierarchy reportedly see no future under the Dutchman.
United fans remain split down the middle on Ten Hag, but an unlikely win this weekend will at the very least see him silence his doubters and leave the club on a significant high.
But toppling this City side is just that. Unlikely. In fact as long as 17/2 with Unibet for United to win in 90 mins.
Betting
As one might expect, the money will be on Erling Haaland to shine on the big stage.
Having scored three times against the Red Devils this term, it is worth nothing however, City’s viking hitman blanked in the final 12 months ago.
Haaland is 14/5 with BoyleSports to grab a brace, or for the punter who can only see United pain on Saturday, 12s with Betfred to score a hat-trick.
United are not without hopes however, and both Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes will be central to them.
For both to have 1+ shot on target in 90 mins, 4/1 odds boosted from 3/1 with William Hill are inviting.
Manchester City and Manchester United clash in the Emirates FA Cup final on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, kick-off 3pm.
