From time to time, exceptional opportunities keep knocking at your door. Manchester United again has a chance to turn its disappointing season into a considerably fruitful one. After finishing 8th in the Premier League, they have the English FA Cup to salvage. But they will yet again face champions and almost unbeatable Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s men stole the league title from Arsenal in the last stages of the tournament and are expected to win the upcoming final. But will Guardiola go into the contest with his best squad? What do we know about Erik ten Hag’s plans for Sunday’s clash?

Manchester City vs Manchester United: All you need to know

Injury updates

Manchester City: The win in the Premier League may make them look perfect, but City had overcome two major injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland. But with only a game remaining, reports came out of Ederson missing the game after his injury against Tottenham. In addition, defender Nathan Ake also made a second-half appearance against West Ham and Jack Grealish is fit according to reports. There are no other injury concerns for Guardiola.

Manchester United: Injuries also affected multiple players from the Red Devils squad this season. But they also have many of the key players back on track. One positive news is former Chelsea star Mason Mount was seen training after missing a few games because of an unknown injury. He also missed games from October to March due to a calf injury. Additionally, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial were also seen in the training and an update is awaited from ten Hag. The Dutch coach also hinted that Harry Mcguire could be fit for the final fixture last time recovering from a muscular issue. Tyrell Malacia did not play the entire season due to a knee injury.

Team News

Manchester City expected XI: Stefan Ortega; Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden; Erling Haaland

Manchester United expected XI: Andre Onana; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Diego Dalot; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund

Head-to-head and predictions

Despite heroics in the last decade and a half, Manchester City is behind United in terms of victories. The Manchester rivals faced each other a whopping 152 times of which the Red Devils won 62 games and City won on 52 occasions. But coming to this game, Guardiola’s team hasn’t tasted a loss since their Champions League exit against Real Madrid. Considering United’s sub-par defense which conceded 82 goals this season in all competitions, City is expected to be the clear favorite. However, we can expect a tight match by not counting out a United upset.

Prediction: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United

When and where to watch the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United?

The game will kick off at the Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, 25th May 2024 at 1000hrs ET and 0700hrs PST. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN+. ESPN+ is also available in a bundle with Disney+ and Hulu’s on-demand service.