English FA CUP
2013-05-11 - Manchester City vs Wigan Athletic
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Football : English FA Cup
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Saturday 11th May 2013 – Kickoff time 17:15
Match Preview :
Manchester City and Wigan Athletic will do battle at Wembley Stadium on Saturday with both side aiming to be the FA Cup Champions. One thing is for certain and that is no matter what happens, Manchester City will play in the UEFA Champions League for next season through their Premier League standing, while Wigan are guaranteed a place in the 2013/14 Europa League regardless if they lose this final.
Mancini's side comes into this match knowing that they have won 10 of their last 11 FA Cup matches, keeping clean sheets in nine of those games and lost just once in that run. Roberto Mancini's side knows this will be their best chance to get something this season after a poor season and their best chance to end the season with a silverware.
Mancini's side won the trophy back in 2011 and after two years gone by, will be eager to win the trophy once again. Manchester City have beaten the likes of Watford, Stoke City, Leeds United, Barnsley and cup holders Chelsea to get to the final.
Meanwhile Wigan has had an easier passage to the finak as they faced only one Premier League opposition. Wigan took out Everton in the quarterfinals, and have also brought an end to Bournemouth, Macclesfield Town, Huddersfield Town and Millwall along the way.
Wigan knows their priority remains in staying in the Premiership rather then the FA Cup. Wigan remain inside the Premier League drop zone with just two games left to play, so will be hoping this could come as some distraction rather then a distraction of their chances of staying up in the Premiership.
Team News :
Manchester City Team News :
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has declared himself fit for the trip to Wembley after he was rested in their win over West Bromwich Albion in midweek. One player certain to miss will be Scott Sinclair as he continues his recovery from surgery to remove a blood clot in his shoulder.
Costel Pantilimon is expected to start in goal ahead of Joe Hart. Edin Dzeko will be hoping his winner against West Brom is good enough to earn him a starting spot.
Wigan Team News :
Martinez must decide whether to stick with the players he has in defence or make changes. Antolin Alcaraz (hamstring) is rated at no more than 50-50 to feature, while captain Gary Caldwell is uncertain if he could keep his spot after his mistake against Swansea on Tuesday and Roger Espinoza looked out of sorts in a left wing-back role.
Meanwhile, Ali Al-Habsi is expected to return at the expense of on-loan Joel Robles in goal, as he did for the semi-final win over Millwall.
Prediction:
Go for Manchester City to win and give the 1 1/2 ball here.
The Pick :
Manchester City 2-0 Wigan
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Manchester City to win and give the 1 1/2 ball.
