Opta Big Match Stats: Tevez to bag first in Man City win

 

It's the nation's favourite cup final on Saturday and, equipped with those Opta stats, Christian Crowther gives it the big match treatment...

 

Manchester City v Wigan (Saturday, 17:15, ITV and ESPN)

 

The last five FA Cup finals involving two top-tier sides have produced a total of just nine goals (three 1-0s and two 2-1s)

Even though last year's cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool produced just three goals, it was one of the more entertaining for a number of seasons, as more often  than not one team or another gets frozen in the Wembley headlights. This is reflected by the woeful lack of goals in recent years, which seems to tie in with the final  being relocated back from Cardiff to the nation's capital. Perhaps the size of the new Wembley pitch takes more out of the legs than its Millennium cousin over the  border? The last two times that the final has finished 2-1, it was the pre-match favourites that triumphed.

Recommended Bet: Back Man City to win 2-1 @ 9.8

 

Carlos Tevez has netted seven goals in 12 appearances against the Latics (all in the Premier League)

No one in the City ranks deserves more credit than Tevez for getting the outgoing Premier League champions to the FA Cup final for the second time in three seasons.  The controversial Argentine has plundered five goals in as many FA Cup appearances and has turned provider on two other occasions for Roberto Mancini's men. While  Mancini has often switched between Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko in partnering Tevez, the Italian has been quick to realise the goal-scoring affinity the latter has  built up with the competition this season. After scoring the first goal of their FA Cup run against Watford in round three, Tevez hasn't looked back and he clearly  enjoys filling his boots against this opposition.

Best Bet: Back Carlos Tevez to score first @ 5.5

 

Callum McManaman has scored in three successive FA Cup appearances

Wigan's young wing wizard may have been extremely fortunate to have escaped a ban for that 'tackle' a few months back but he deserves credit for some sparkling  performances since. McManaman is still some way off emulating his namesake of yesteryear, though his quick feet and fearless approach to taking on defenders have  certainly caught the eye. His final-clinching goal in the semi with Millwall was the perfect demonstration of what he is capable of and proved that he is a player who  can deliver on the biggest stage. If anyone is going to grab a goal for the underdogs, then McManaman is that man after two goals in his last three outings.

Recommended Bet: Back Callum McManaman to score @ 8.0

 

Bet HERE

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