Manchester City – Manchester Utd

United unexpectedly win their second cup title of the current season

In betting circles, Manchester City were almost a saint at the end of the season. A couple of weeks ago, the odds on Guardiola's side winning three tournaments at once (Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup) were around 1.60, which has dropped even slightly since the national league title was secured. Manchester City's play now looks to be the best in football in Europe, so the City's status as favourites for the crucial games against Manchester United and Inter looks, in a sense, technical and unquestionable. However, Erik ten Hag's team are unlikely to agree. Following Ronaldo's departure, the Red Devils have transformed and, for the first time in recent years, have begun to show serious ambition both on the English stage and in the European competition. For a while, Manchester United were looked upon as the third seed to claim the Premier League title, but after a 0-7 defeat by Liverpool, the team underlined the prematurity of setting high goals. By the last match of the football year, the Red Devils had met their minimum target for the season, securing a trip to the Champions League and winning the English League Cup. Manchester United had a disappointing second half of April and early May. During this period, Eric ten Hague's side crashed out at the Europa League play-off stage and let Liverpool down in the Championship battle for a place in the top-four, tickling the nerves of their fans. In the second half of May, however, Manchester United managed to get back on the winning track. Four wins in a row will certainly improve the spirits of the Mancunian players. In addition, the Red Devils beat the Citizens 2-1 in their last face-to-face encounter, which will give them extra confidence ahead of the cup final. Manchester City have given themselves a chance to relax in the last few rounds of the championship. After securing the league title, they beat Chelsea, drew with Brighton and then lost their closing Premier League game against Brentford. The mood for the next Mancunian derby will be very different for the Citizens, but we are betting on a sensational result in the form of a title win for MU.