FA Cup Final preview and odds: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

Published on: 18/05/2016

FA Cup Final preview and odds: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

May 21, 2016 17:30pm - Wembley Stadium

FA Cup

Two teams whose league campaigns fell well below par will seek the solace of an FA Cup win on Saturday as Manchester United and Crystal Palace go head-to-head in the showcase game at Wembley.

Small consolation for United

An FA cup win will offer a small amount of comfort to Manchester United fans following the club`s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three years.

Without the lure of Champions League football, the Red Devils could now struggle to compete in the summer transfer market. In fact, the blue side of Manchester could now be considered as a more attractive prospect, with the guarantee of Champions League football and the chance to work under Pep Guardiola.

Despite, their failings this year, a first piece of silverware in three years will at least give the Old Trafford club something to celebrate. Whether it will be Louis van Gaal`s last game in charge of the club still remains to be seen, but speculation surrounding the coach`s future has followed him around like a black cloud throughout this campaign.

Palace eyeing first major trophy

Crystal Palace can erase the memory of a poor second half of the season by claiming their first ever piece of major silverware on Saturday.

The Eagles were flying high at Christmas having risen to fifth in the league but they fell like Icarus in the New Year. They finished the season in 15th place just five points clear of the drop zone, having won two of their last 21 matches in the league.

The South Londoners have yet to win a top-level trophy but did reach the final of this competition in 1990. On that occasion, they also met Manchester United and were eventually defeated 1-0 in a replay after the first match ended 3-3.

Recent form (League)

Manchester United: WLWDW

Crystal Palace: LWLLD

Betting odds and tips

Palace did not win a single league game away from home in 2016 but have somehow managed to excel in FA Cup. Meanwhile, their opponents have had a poor season by their standards but come into this match having lost just two of their last 13 games in all competitions.

You can back Manchester United to win at 3/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 18/05/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (18/05/2016 15:23:44) but are subject to change.