Three busts in a row... That’s doesn’t make me much of a Wizard, does it? More like first year at Hogwarts if you ask me. Honestly, I can’t remember when I last had three bets go bust in a row, at least not when taking the task seriously. Normally I would tell anyone to take a break to get him or herself out of tilt mode. But when you are paid to deliver, you have to deliver. So, now I need to get myself in shape and break the spell.
What better way to do that than to have a deeper look at the FA Cup final? Without any discussion, Manchester City has been very hard to predict this season. Their performance earlier in the season was more than a surprise, I don’t think many would seen that coming. But now we see a Man City that is picking up pace again and have started to deliver more against expectations. And the only way for them to end the season on a high is to grab the FA Cup to at least have one more trophy to put on the shelf and secure a spot promising European action the coming season.
But let’s not forget that the match also features an under-dog with an impressive FA Cup run. If Crystal Palace would come out winning from the clash it would not only mean a well-deserved feather in the cap for the head coach Oliver Glasner, but it would also be a monumental achievement. And it would also earn Crystal Palace their first major trophy since 1994. Who would have seen that coming at the start of the season?
You can imagine how tempting it is for a tilted Wizard to dream about a glorious end to a great season for Crystal Palace? Great odds, a great story... But, as I started this piece, let’s get back to reality and try to unlock myself from the spell. Of course, Manchester City will win this one. And the odds for that to happen is more than acceptable.
Looking at line-ups raises some concern though. By the looks of it, Manchester City will have to do without key players like Rodri, Stones, and Ake who are all doubtful for the final. But on the other hand, City’s own goal monster Erling Haaland has returned from injury and is eager to make an impact before season ends.
On the other end, Crystal Palace looks like they will be missing Wharton due to injury, with Hughes or Lerma poised to fill in. In terms of injuries, it is definitely one up for Palace. And Haaland is not the only forward that can score goals, Crystal Palace have solid assets in Eze and Mateta which are expected to lead the attack. And while Manchester City has dominated recent encounters, Crystal Palace has managed to score in five of their last six meetings, so there is definitely nothing wrong with the goal scoring capabilities on that side either.
Conclusion: Hadn’t it been for my poor performance lately I would have stuck at that specific detail, the proven ability for Palace to score against City. Adding Both teams to score would definitely boost odds, but now I need to keep it simple and regain confidence and trust. Hence. No showing off or chasing extra decimals, boring old Wizard says: Manchester City to win.
