Man City vs Sheffield United Prediction: Rotating Blues v Blades

Alan Firkins

Apr 21

It's semi-final time for the world's premier domestic knockout club competition, the FA Cup. First up it's Manchester City, chasing glory on three fronts, against Sheffield United. Championship high-flyers, looking to return to the big-time.

Kick-off 4.45pm, Sat, Wembley

Both teams are no strangers to lifting the famous old trophy, but United have to go back to 1925 for their last success. City tasted Wembley joy in 2019 as part of their unprecedented domestic English treble - fair to say they have an even more prestigious haul planned this time around, if possible. Sheffield United will doubtless have something to say about that.

Manchester City vs Sheffield United Betting Tips

- First goalscorer Julian Alvarez @ 9/4
- Iliman Ndiaye 2+ shots on target @ 6/1

Bet on Man City vs Sheffield United with Betfred Here

Unsurprisingly, City are very warm favourites in the 90 minute betting at 1/8; the draw is 15/2, while Sheffield United are available at an enormous-looking 16/1.

Team news

City are in the midst of massive challenge after massive challenge - and Pep Guardiola will surely rotate his troops here. Nathan Ake looked to have a hamstring problem against Bayern in midweek, so it's unlikely we'll see him on Saturday.

Phil Foden made the bench in midweek and could well figure. Ortega for Ederson is normal in the FA Cup, and Walker, Laporte, Alvarez, Palmer, Lewis and Phillips will be pushing for starts. If it's not going well, expect one or two big guns from the bench to be deployed.

As for United, unfortunately two of their most influential players can't feature. McAtee and Doyle are on loan from City so are ineligible, which is something they may struggle to overcome. Injuries also cloud the picture somewhat.

Whether veteran Billy Sharp starts or enters from the bench, Utd fans will be hoping the warrior has one or two more crucial goals up his sleeve. Ndiaye is their trump card - a showman who could illuminate this great stage.

First goalscorer Julian Alvarez @ 9/4

I've mentioned City's fixture chaos - I guess it's the downside of an exciting back-end when the 'Man Utd' treble is in their sights. Whether Erling Haaland features or not then, with Arsenal waiting on Wednesday, Julian Alvarez I suspect will.

To back him for the game's first goal is well within the realms of believability, and the World-Cup winner will be champing at the bit to stay in the spotlight for City's alarming but enthralling run-in.

Iliman Ndiaye 2+ shots on target @ 6/1

I've indicated above that I like the look of this young 23-yr-old French-born ball-player, who represents Senegal. This is a huge stage and platform upon which to impress, and I can see him being one of Sheffield's most potent attacking options - especially in the absence of the City loan players. 6/1 is potentially a cracking return for having 2 or more shots on target.

It's likely of course that City will prevail, rearranged side or not. But it's the FA Cup, it's Wembley, and Utd have disposed of allegedly superior opposition already in the form of Spurs. Let's hope that it's a cracking match, and a fitting occasion. Enjoy!

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