Saturday promises a packed schedule for soccer enthusiasts, featuring significant matches from various leagues worldwide. A highlight of the weekend is the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, where Crystal Palace will face Manchester City. This marks City`s 14th appearance in the final, while Crystal Palace makes their third bid for the trophy, having previously lost to Manchester United in 1990 and 2016.
The FA Cup final boasts considerable star power with the return of Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. The Norwegian international is back after a nearly two-month absence due to an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Haaland has netted 21 goals in the Premier League this season, and his presence is a major factor for City.
Beyond the FA Cup, the action continues with MLS side Columbus Crew hosting FC Cincinnati, and NWSL team Washington Spirit taking on Utah Royals FC. With a wide array of soccer games available, SportsLine`s soccer expert, Brandt Sutton, has analyzed the matchups to identify valuable picks for Saturday`s slate.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has served as SportsLine`s top soccer editor for over six years. He demonstrated profitability across several leagues in 2023, including the Champions League, English Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup. He also finished 2022 as SportsLine`s leading soccer expert.
FA Cup Final Prediction
Brandt Sutton highlights Manchester City`s recent dominance over Crystal Palace, noting their 5-2 victory on April 12 where City overcame an early deficit. “City are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Palace, securing four wins during that stretch,” Sutton stated. He added, “The Citizens have scored 18 goals in their last six meetings against Crystal Palace, so I`m backing Pep Guardiola to lead his men to victory.”
MLS Prediction
For the MLS clash, Sutton eyes the “Hell is Real derby” between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati. “This derby often produces fireworks,” Sutton commented, pointing to the history of high-scoring games between the rivals. “Over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the past six meetings between these rivals, and I expect we`ll see at least three goals again in this one.”
NWSL Prediction
In the NWSL, Sutton favors the Washington Spirit against Utah Royals FC. He points out Utah Royals FC`s recent struggles, including three consecutive losses and being held scoreless in five of their last six matches. Based on this form, Sutton is “backing Washington to secure all three points at home.”
Adrian Whitmore