FA Cup final Bet Builder tips and predictions: Sarr can shine on the big occasion

FA Cup final Bet Builder

Ismaila Sarr to score or assist

Ismaila Sarr is having a superb first season with Crystal Palace and he could make a telling contribution in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Palace's progress in recent years has been heavily influenced by the ability they have shown in attacking areas.

Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze have been regular Premier League scorers in each of the last two seasons, but they have been ably assisted over the last nine months by Sarr, who has helped himself to 11 goals across all competitions.

Sarr caught the eye for Senegal at the 2022 World Cup and his big-match temperament was evident last month when he bagged two goals and an assist in Palace's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final triumph over Aston Villa.

The 27-year-old has the pace and power to cause problems for Manchester City and looks overpriced to deliver a goal or an assist.

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Crystal Palace or draw double chance

Palace have been hard to beat since Christmas – losing four of 24 games across all competitions – and they will offer a stern test to City in an evenly-balanced contest.

City triumphed 5-2 at home to Palace in last month's Premier League contest despite falling two goals behind inside the opening 21 minutes.

But their task was made much easier by the absence of Palace's best defender Marc Guehi, who was serving a suspension.

Guehi was a part of the Palace team which drew 2-2 with City at Selhurst Park in December and he can help the Eagles be competitive at Wembley and at least take the contest into extra-time.

Daniel Munoz to be carded

City are boosted by the recent return to fitness of prolific centre-forward Erling Haaland but the key to their chances could be on the flanks.

Pep Guardiola's side were too narrow in the opening 45 minutes of last Saturday's 0-0 draw at Southampton but improved markedly after a half-time switch with Jeremy Doku coming on for James McAtee.

City will probably attempt to play with greater width at Wembley with the aim of stretching Palace's wing-backs, Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell.

The right-sided Munoz is an asset in attacking areas but sometimes struggles with his defensive duties.

The Colombian has collected ten bookings in the Premier League and looks overpriced for a cup final card.

Pays 12-1 with bet365

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