Manchester City v Manchester United FA Cup Semi-Final Preview
It’s an all-Manchester FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday. Manchester City will be keen to hold off Manchester United on their bid for a trophy treble. United are the short favourites with City close behind in their campaign for their first piece of silverware in 35 years. It’s the first FA Cup semi-final appearance for City since 1981.
The odds suggest an even match with each side missing their key striker. Carlos Tevez is injured for City and Wayne Rooney is out on suspension for United. It’s a big blow for City as Tevez has been on fire with 22 goals on the season and five in his last cup appearances. He has four goals in his last seven matches against United.
Replacing Tevez will be Mario Balotelli, Edin Dzeko and Jo, who have a combined 17 goals this season. Though he struggled in City’s Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Monday, Balotelli should start and is a good bet to score first with 8/1 odds at Paddy Powder. City’s recent form suggests problems at Wembley. They haven’t won in their last 10 matches away from home and have won just two of their last 11 FA Cup matches against Premier League sides.
United are hoping to complete the treble like they did in 1999. A win over Chelsea in the Champions League this week extended their unbeaten run to seven fixtures. They have won nine of 10 FA Cup semi-finals and haven’t conceded more than one goal in an FA Cup match since 2007. Javier Hernandez will shoulder Rooney’s load and has seven goals in his last nine matches. He has a United-best 9/2 odds at Paddy Powder to score first.
Another good bet to score for United is Ryan Giggs. He has been on form and delivers in crucial situations like the 1999 FA Cup semi-final winner over Arsenal at Villa Park. He has decent value to score anytime with 10/3 odds at Paddy Powder. Including Giggs’, United have scored four winners in the last 15 minutes of their last six fixtures with City. They have won the last four FA Cup matches against the Boys in Blue and should extend that on Saturday.
Manchester City v Manchester United Match Odds (supplied by Paddy Powder)
Manchester City: 5/2
Draw: 9/4
Manchester United: 23/20