Just in case you’ve ever wondered how important soccer is in England, consider the decision that Prince William is torn up over according to reports. The FA Cup Final and Prince Harry’s Royal Wedding are both slated to take place this Saturday, yet William is seriously considering missing out on the afterparty in order to catch Chelsea and Manchester United squaring off a little over 20 miles away. That is perhaps the best example of how important the FA Cup is to the English.
Don't miss the FA Cup Final this weekend on Saturday, May 19, at 12:15 p.m. ET. This match will be played at Wembley Stadium in London, England. This will be one of the last weekends of club soccer prior to the World Cup, so get in on the action at BookMaker!
FA Cup Final Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United +160
Chelsea FC +190
Draw +202
Over/Under 2
Odds Analysis
The oddsmakers see these two sides as relatively even ahead of this match. During the Premier League campaign, these teams split their two games with each side grasping victory at home. Chelsea knocked off Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to a goal in the 55th minute from Alvaro Morata. At Old Trafford, Willian opened the scoring for the visitors, but Romelu Lukaku and Jesse Lingard tallied the next two to give the Red Devils the win.
Key Injuries
Coming into the FA Cup Final, Manchester United has already ruled out midfielder Marouane Fellaini due to a muscle issue. Two others are doubtful as of Wednesday with Romelu Lukaku dealing with a foot problem and Anthony Martial suffering from a knee injury that occurred in practice.
As for Chelsea, Ethan Ampadu is a long-term injury. However, two others that have been out for some time may be able to play. David Luiz is considered doubtful with a knee injury, but he has not been ruled out yet. Manager Antonio Conte is a little more optimistic about Danny Drinkwater. Drinkwater has been sidelined for two months with a calf strain, yet he is seen as questionable.
Player to Watch
Center back Phil Jones has had a star-crossed tenure at Old Trafford. He is the key to the Red Devils’ defense and has mostly been very solid at the back. However, he has had some lapses that keep him from being continually named one of the best.
Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was one of the first to sing his praises. After the Red Devils won their last Premier League title back in 2013, Ferguson said about the then 21-year-old, “You saw Jones tonight. Arguably, they way he is looking, he could be our best ever player.” With praise like that from the legendary Ferguson, expectations for Jones shot into the stratosphere.
Injuries have somewhat limited him over the years, but he is now in the prime of his career. Jones has been heralded as England’s best defender for the World Cup, and it will be largely on him to stop Chelsea’s attack.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Manchester United are probably the more talented side heading into the final. However, Antonio Conte is a master at drawing up gameplans that limit teams’ offensive options. Conte might be gone at the end of the year after failing to place Chelsea in the top four, but he is going to come up with a strategy that frustrates Jose Mourinho’s men.
It won’t be enough though. While Chelsea will be able to keep it close and make it to extra time, Manchester United will win it there. United are just too talented and David De Gea is too tough to beat. Paul Pogba has been playing great over the last month of the season and he will play a big part in a Manchester United win.
FA Cup Final Prediction: Manchester United 2, Chelsea 1 (ET)
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