MY ACCOUNT
– Manchester City have kept clean sheets in each of their four FA Cup matches this season
– Sheffield United have lost each of their last four matches against City without scoring
– Recommended bet: Manchester City Win to Nil
No Championship clubs have reached the FA Cup final since Cardiff in 2008 but Sheffield United will be trying their utmost to spring a huge surprise when taking on Manchester City at Wembley.
The Blades are on course to be promoted to the Premier League and saw off top flight opposition in the FA Cup fifth round when they deservedly defeated Tottenham 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
However, they face the ultimate test against City, who remain in the hunt for a trophy treble.
Pep Guardiola’s side have overcome two Championship teams (Bristol City and Burnley) in the earlier rounds and are red-hot favourites to defeat the Blades without need of extra-time or penalties.
Manchester City vs Sheffield United (Saturday, 4.45pm)
Team news
Pep Guardiola has a fully fit squad to select from after Phil Foden (appendix operation) returned to the bench for Wednesday’s 1-1 draw away to Bayern Munich.
However, he is expected to make changes with a view to keeping some key players fresh for next Wednesday’s crunch Premier League clash at home to Arsenal.
Paul Heckingbottom must make do without City loanees James McAtee and Tommy Doyle, who are ineligible to face their parent club, while Rhys Norrington-Davies, Rhian Brewster, Ben Osborn and Enda Stevens are on the injured list.
The stats
City are bidding for a fifth successive FA Cup clean sheet, having completed victories over Chelsea (4-0), Arsenal (1-0), Bristol City (3-0) and Burnley (6-0) in the earlier rounds.
They have scored at least three goals in six of their last seven matches and have found the net in 15 consecutive fixtures.
Sheffield United are through to the final four of the FA Cup for the first time since 2014 when they were beaten 5-3 by Hull.
The Blades have lost their last five FA Cup semi-finals and have not lifted the trophy since 1925.
Prediction
City are one of the most potent attacking teams in Europe but they showed their defensive resilience when overcoming Bayern Munich 4-1 on aggregate in the Champions League quarter-finals and are likely to register a victory and a shutout against Sheffield United at Wembley.
The intensity and quality of City should soon gain them the upper hand against a Sheffield United side who needed two attempts to get past National League Wrexham in the fourth round.
There will be no lack of spirit and desire from the Yorkshire side, but they face an ominous task and may struggle to get on the scoresheet.
Back Manchester City win to nil at 3/4 with LiveScore Bet.
Win big with LiveScore 6!
Fancy winning up to £100,000?
Simply predict six correct scores from the weekend action for your chance to win, with consolation prizes also on offer if you go close.
Play LiveScore 6 for free this weekend. Click here for details on how to get involved.
