FA Cup: Manchester City v Wigan Athletic match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley

Manchester City's Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko (R) vies with Wigan Athletic's Austrian midfielder Paul Scharner (Getty Images)

Wigan will have their work cut out if they are to beat big-money giants Manchester City and lift the FA Cup at Wembley. City are the clear favourites, having not lost to the Latics since September 2008.

But Wigan will want to make their first appearance in an FA Cup final one to remember and hope cup magic will play a part in their quest for victory.

But having already surrendered the league title to arch rivals Manchester United, City will be desperate to regain some form of silverware this season. Wigan still have to fight off relegation to the Championship, but City have nothing to fear going into this game.

However the Latics proved they can spring a surprise when they stunned Everton at Goodison Park, where they won 3-0 in the quarter-final. 

The two sides had a dress rehearsal of this fixture in the league last month, with City scraping to victory in a 1-0 win at the Etihad.

Both managers will want to get their hands on the trophy with speculation surrounding Roberto Mancini’s and Roberto Martinez’s future at their respective clubs.

Mancini has guaranteed his side Champions League football next season and has a more than good opportunity to win a second FA Cup. While Martinez has been heavily linked with recently vacant Everton job after David Moyes’ departure to Manchester United.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.15pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

STATS…

Wigan have not scored against Manchester City since October 2009

Manchester City have only conceded once on their route to the final

Wigan have played at home only once in the competition this term, whereas City have had all their games at home with the exception of the semi-final.

This will be Wigan’s first ever appearance in an FA Cup final

ODDS…

Manchester City to win: 1.33

Wigan to win: 9.00

Draw: 5.25

TV: Live on ITV 1 at 5.15pm, highlights on ITV 1 at 11.00pm