Chelsea and Manchester United lock horns at Wembley on Saturday afternoon as the FA Cup reaches its conclusion.
Our football betting expert is here to preview the game as both sides look to win their first trophy of the season.
Chelsea trying to banish the blues
Chelsea’s Premier League season finished with a bit of whimper as they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Newcastle at St James’ Park which ended any chance of Champions League football.
Antonio Conte’s men had clawed their way back into top-four contention prior to that but were taken apart by the Magpies, and their lack of consistency throughout the campaign has eventually cost them.
There is also the matter of the future of many of their best players like Eden Hazard, as well as that of Conte, who seems all-but certain to depart in the summer.
Still, despite the cloud over them, they are in the final, having beaten Southampton 2-0 in the semi – and are 10/11 with Grosvenorsport.com to win their first FA Cup since 2012.
Another trophy on Mourinho’s mind
The Blues face a United side who in finishing second, finished in their highest position in the league for five seasons – something Jose Mourinho will be keen to point to.
Still, plenty have complained about the lack of excitement at Old Trafford despite the wealth of attacking riches that Mourinho has at his disposal. Whatever anyone thinks of the ‘Special One’ he gets results and he’s once again got his side within touching distance of another cup win.
The Red Devils are 13/8 to give Mourinho his 26th major trophy as a manager.
United to nick a cagey affair
This is a fascinating contest as there are so many sublots to it. As we all know these two don’t like each other as is the case with the two managers, who have made no secret for their hatred towards each other. I think it’s fair to say Mourinho would like nothing else than to send Conte off by defeating him in the FA Cup final.
The starting XI Mourinho picks will tell us exactly how he plans to approach this one, but if recent big games are anything to go by, he’ll set up to keep it tight.
Jose is a master tactician and I expect him to nullify Chelsea’s attack and I wouldn’t put anyone off under 1.5 goals at 7/4.
My main bet though is United to win to nil at 3/1. Four of the last five matches between the two sides have been won to nil and I fancy Mourinho’s stingy defence to shut up shop and frustrate the Blues.
Jesse Lingard has a knack for scoring in the big games – especially at Wembley, and I think he’s decent value at 7/2 to score anytime in this one..
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