Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to punch their spot in the final of this season’s FA Cup final on Saturday evening, Manchester City will travel to Wembley when they meet Southampton.
Manchester City
Starting with Manchester City, while the Sky Blues might have watched their Champions League adventure come to a thumping end last month following a 5-1 aggregate defeat against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s side have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Skyrocketing their way to the top of the Premier League standings on Wednesday night and simultaneously relegating Burnley thanks to a 1-0 victory on their travels, the former Barcelona boss certainly finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Securing what could prove to be a season-defining 2-1 win at home against bitter title rivals Arsenal last weekend, Man City have won each of their previous five consecutive domestic showdowns and they suddenly have their sights set on completing a shock triple-winning campaign over the coming weeks.
Manchester City Team News
Both missing out away at Turf Moor on Wednesday night, the duo of Ruben Dias and Spanish international Rodri remain major doubts this weekend. Not featuring since back in January after undergoing surgery following a leg fracture, Jose Gvardiol won’t play any part at Wembley.
Notching a 24th Premier League strike of the season against Burnley in midweek and set to claim another top-flight Golden Boot, the record-breaking Erling Haaland will spearhead City’s charge. Enjoying what has really been a breakout campaign, academy graduate Nico O’Riley will be deployed at the heart of Guardiola’s midfield.
Southampton
As for Southampton, while the Saints might have eventually been forced to settle for a dramatic 2-2 stalemate against Bristol City in midweek, Tonda Eckert’s side are enjoying what has been a remarkable run of form. Continuing to shine since the German tactician arrived at St. Mary’s back in December, the Championship high-flyers now have their sights firmly set on booking an immediate Premier League return. Extending on their FA Cup adventure earlier in the month and booking their trip to Wembley thanks to a famous 2-1 victory at home against Premier League title contenders Arsenal, Southampton are remarkably unbeaten in all of their previous 20 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a purple patch that stems all the way back to January 17th.
Southampton Team News
Only making nine Championship appearances this season, former Brentford defender Mads Roerslev Rasmussen remains on the sidelines with a long-term Achilles tendon injury. Likewise, veteran goalkeeper Alex MaCarthy is still recovering from a wrist issue.
Bagging what turned out to be a famous quarter-final winner against Arsenal earlier in the month, Northern Ireland international Shea Charles will start in the middle of the park. Making a permanent switch from the Etihad back in the summer of 2024, ex-Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis will lead Southampton out at Wembley.
Manchester City vs Southampton Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester City and Southampton last met back in May 2025, Saturday’s semi-finalists played out a 0-0 stalemate at St. Mary’s.
- Climbing to the top of the Premier League table in midweek, Man City have won each of their last five straight appearances by an aggregate score of 12-1.
- Southampton are remarkably unbeaten in all of their previous 20 consecutive appearances across all competitions – a purple patch that stems all the way back to January 17th.
- The Saints have registered nine goals from their previous three showdowns away from St. Mary’s.
- Shockingly, three of the last four meetings between Manchester City and Southampton have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Southampton might be in the midst of what has been a sensational fairytale, the Championship high-flyers couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge here. Despite collecting an iconic quarter-final scalp at St. Mary’s earlier in the month as they claimed a famous 2-1 victory against Arsenal, it is no surprise that the Saints are pencilled in as a landslide underdog when they travel to Wembley on Saturday evening. Watching Manchester City climb to the top of the Premier League standings in midweek, Guardiola’s side have their sights set on completing a stunning triple-winning campaign over the coming weeks.
Verdict: Rayan Cherki over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: Luckster
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