FA Cup Final Bet Builder Tips: Robbo’s 16/1 punt for Wembley showpiece

The domestic campaign comes to an end in traditional fashion on Saturday, with Manchester City and Manchester United set to battle it out in the FA Cup final for a second successive season (15:00, live on BBC One and ITV 1).

Pep Guardiola's side prevailed as 2-1 winners on the way to an historic treble last year - can City make it back-to-back Wembley triumphs or will United get a taste of revenge to end a miserable season on a high?

Using Betfred's #PickYourPunt feature, former England and Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson has come up with a 16/1 (boosted from 12/1) bet builder for the FA Cup final.

Man City to win

City are fresh from being crowned Premier League champions for a fourth-consecutive season, and will now have their sights set on a domestic double.

Guardiola's side were strong favourites for last year's final, and I believe the outcome will be the same come the end of the game on Saturday. That triumph in June 2023 formed part of City's first-ever treble, and they have the chance to make history once again this weekend - no team in the history of English football has retained both the Premier League and FA Cup.

Needless to say, United will be desperate to deny their noisy neighbours the chance to lift more silverware, but I believe that the fans of the red half of Manchester head to the capital with hope rather than the expectation to win.

Anything can happen in a one-off game, but United will need to be flawless to stop this City juggernaut, who have been relentless in the final stretch of the season. They've restricted their opponents to very few chances in recent weeks, keeping four clean sheets in their last six matches in the league, and looked very comfortable in the final-day victory over West Ham United, despite the title being on the line.

Defensive frailties continue to haunt Erik ten Hag and the Red Devils, and I expect City to take full advantage on Saturday afternoon.

Phil Foden to score anytime

Phil Foden has been instrumental in City's success this season, and was recently crowned the Premier League Player of the Season - fully deserved in my book.

The England international has an excellent record against the red side of Manchester, scoring twice in the most recent meeting between the sides, making it six goals in his last five Manchester derbies, so I think he's a brilliant option to get on the scoresheet at Wembley.

The 23-year-old finished the season with 26 goals across all competitions, and ended the campaign strongly, scoring five goals in as many matches.

Over 3.5 goals

City found their shooting boots in the final few weeks of the Premier League campaign, and combined with United's poor defensive record, I'm expecting plenty of goalmouth action on Saturday.

Over 3.5 goals landed in three of City's last four league fixtures and this bet was also a winner in the most recent Manchester derby at the Etihad back in March.

As mentioned above, United have endured problems at the back all season long, highlighted by the fact they conceded 27 goals in their final 14 games of the season and shipped at least three goals on five occasions in that time.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka to be carded

The Manchester United defender was cautioned in last year's final against City, and I think he's a decent option to find his way into the referee's book once again this weekend.

The former Crystal Palace man will be part of a backline that will be tasked with keeping tabs on the likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne, which is no easy feat. Foden was fouled 74 times this season, including five times in two Manchester derbies.

Wan-Bissaka was cautioned four times in the league campaign for the Red Devils, and given the fact he could be playing in his unfavoured position of left-back with Luke Shaw still out injured, he may be the target of several City attacks.

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Betfred are running their famed Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven offer on this match, meaning that if a player scores first and then nets again, you will be paid at double the odds. If he grabs a hat-trick, you will be paid at treble the odds!