We get a special edition of the Manchester Derby in the FA Cup Final as cross-town rivals duke it out. Who’s the better bet to make here — Man City or United? You’re going to want to keep reading this for our expert analysis and picks on the 2024 FA Cup Final. It’s money-making advice you don't want to miss out on!
- What: 2024 FA Cup
- When: Saturday, May 25
- Where: Wembley Stadium in London, England
FA Cup Betting Preview
Both these teams couldn’t be in more opposite places going into the FA Cup Final, which will conclude the Premier League season. That’s reflected in the FA Cup odds available on the top Premier League betting sites. That’s where we want to begin our FA Cup preview because as you can see, this one is expected to be lopsided:
| Outcome |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man City | -330 | -330 | -330 |
| Manchester United | +750 | +750 | +750 |
| Draw | +475 | +475 | +475 |
Let’s begin with the favorites, City. They just completed their fourth straight season as EPL champions, but this one might’ve been its most hard-fought. The club struggled in the first half due to injuries, roster changes, and perhaps complacency of winning. That is no more, however, as City hasn’t been beaten in the top flight since early December.
The only blemish on their record in the last five months is a Champions League exit to Real Madrid in the quarters. So no treble repeat this season, but aside from that, City is firing on all cylinders. Erling Haaland led the league in scoring (again), Kevin De Bruyne shook off injuries to return to dominant shape, and Phil Fodden solidified himself as the “next big thing” in the sport with a brilliant season. Manager Pep Guardiola remains the world’s best.
You can’t say the same about Erik ten Hag, United’s embattled coach in year two of his tenure — and if fans have their way, his last with the historic club. Ten Hag’s job is in danger after leading United to one of its worst seasons ever. Yes, ever. United finished eighth in the table with an eye-popping 14 league defeats. Worse, the team posted its first-ever negative goal difference. These struggles picked up late in the season when United won a meager four of its last 13 games. In other words, United enters this match stone cold.
Why the struggles, you ask? Mediocrity, that’s why. Ten Hag is a middle-of-the-road manager and so is the roster he’s commanding. Despite having deep pockets, United has failed to sign the likes of Haaland or Jude Bellingham and settled for inferior players like Odion Ighalo and Donny van de Beek, among others. Years of bad decision-making manifested into this mediocre season for the ages, but yet, they ended up in this final spot somehow, someway.
This also marks a rematch from last year’s final that was won by Man City 2-1. The victory helped City pull off the historic “treble” — winning the league title and Champions League too. It’s the first-ever FA Cup rematch since 1885, a wild stat once you think about it.
Best Bets For FA Cup Final
Spoiler alert: we think Man City is winning this game. However, we’re not betting on the moneyline because the odds are too lopsided to make any real money off of. However, there are better bets for the FA Cup. Here’s where our money is going:
To Score Goal Prop
Ah, yes, here’s a classic prop. Which of the following players will find the back of the net at least once in the final? Your options are as follows:
| Player | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | -160 | -160 | -160 |
| Phil Foden | +110 | +110 | +110 |
| Julian Alvarez | +200 | +200 | +200 |
| Kevin De Bruyne | +275 | +275 | +275 |
| Oscar Bobb | +290 | +290 | +290 |
| Rodri Hernandez | +300 | +300 | +300 |
| Rasmus Hojlund | +320 | +320 | +320 |
| Jack Grealish | +320 | +320 | +320 |
We’re slamming a bet on Haaland — and we mean slamming. Nevermind he’s the world’s most prolific goal-scorer. This bet is fueled more by Haaland’s track record against the rivals. In five appearances versus United, he’s pulled off six goals and three assists. His nine involved goals is more against United than any other side he’s faced since joining City. In other words, Haaland owns United.
Plus, we feel Haaland has a chip on his shoulder. He’s taken slack for coming up empty in big games — being held scoreless in Championship League elimination games. Don’t be surprised if he shows up big on Saturday to die down that criticism.
Total Goals
The over/under line is set at a high mark of 3.5 goals. Here’s how those odds shake out:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 3.5 Goals | +105 | +105 | +105 |
| Under 3.5 Goals | -145 | -145 | -145 |
Take the over. This United team is a disaster and we wouldn’t be surprised to see City get the over by themselves. If Crystal Palace can hang four goals on United as they did a few weeks ago then so can City.
How To Bet On FA Cup?
There are far more FA Cup bets than the two we mentioned above. Want a complete list of them? See the table below for our list of the very top betting sites for soccer, based on our unbiased sportsbook reviews. Any one of these will offer industry-leading lines on football matches like the FA Cup and the upcoming Champions League finale too.
But here’s the kicker: you can bet on these title games for free using lucrative sign-up bonuses. See, all five bookies listed offer promotions worth hundreds to thousands of dollars in free play. That type of money can bankroll your football betting — not just this weekend, but beyond too (MLS is still in action). See the below table for a list of the top bonuses around.
Please Bet Responsibly.
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