FA Cup semi-finals: Man City vs Sheffield United, Brighton vs Man Utd
Man City vs Sheffield United
If Sheffield United can win this game, Paul Heckingbottom will make Brian Clough look like Tim Sherwood when it comes to tactical nous.
So far in their FA Cup run, the Blades have beaten Hollywood-backed hotshots Wrexham, seen off one member of the “Big Six” (Tottenham, admittedly) and earned a last gasp victory over Blackburn to earn their place at Wembley.
It’s not news to suggest that Man City are unlikely to let the Championship side have much of a sniff, of course. As well as being current favourites to win this competition, Pep Guardiola’s side are also considered favs for the Champions League and the Premier League too.
And even if the FA Cup isn’t a priority for the Manchester side, they battered Burnley 6-0 in the previous round.
City legend Vincent Kompany has already coached Burnley to promotion to the Prem. But facing his former club, Kompany was powerless to prevent his Clarets being crushed.
A similar fate may be in store for Heckingbottom’s boys on Saturday. Over 3.5 City goals at 6/4 seems a realistic outcome; Haaland, assuming he plays, is 31/20 to nab a brace.
The Norwegian has scored in each of his last seven matches in all comps, and in four of those games he scored two or more goals.
Brighton vs Man Utd
The Seagulls are having a season to savour; Man Utd fans might have believed the club are moving in the right direction, but that belief hit quite a setback on Thursday.
United have already won the League Cup, and look a good thing for a top four finish. But on Thursday Erik ten Hag’s side were embarrassed in Spain, Seville winning 3-0 on the night, 5-2 on aggregate.
With 10 minutes to go in the first leg, Man Utd had led by two goals; it’s tough not to conclude that the Red Devils threw this one away.
Utd will be keen to atone for a bad night in the Europa League. But Brighton are good enough to contend with the Manchester side, even if United can substantially raise their level.
And United are without key personnel, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both missing through injury. Harry Maguire’s suspended too, which is possibly less concerning.
United do welcome Bruno Fernandes back. But the Portuguese may not be capable of preventing the Seagulls from reaching the FA Cup final once again, 40 years after they were finalists – where, in a replay, they ended up losing to Man Utd.
Maybe revenge really is a dish best served cold. And Brighton have shown they have the beating of this side. They won 2-1 at Old Trafford earlier this season, and blew them away 4-0 in May 2022.
The straightforward option of backing Roberto De Zerbi’s side to win at 5/4 seems a decent approach, then.
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