Charlie’s cup final fancies

Charlie Nicholas provides us with his predictions for a weekend of domestic finals around Europe this weekend.

While the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Crystal Palace takes place at Wembley, the Scottish Cup, German Cup, Coppa Italia and the Coupe de France also conclude on Saturday, followed by Sunday’s Copa Del Rey showdown – live on Sky Sports.

Here’s what Soccer Saturday’s Charlie Nicholas is predicting for all six clashes in his Sky Bet tips…

Manchester United v Crystal Palace (Saturday 5.15pm)

Well Manchester United are obviously heavy favourites but the big question is whether winning it will be enough to ensure Louis van Gaal’s keeps his job. I’m not sure it is.

I don’t think it will be as one-sided a final as some are expecting. For as much as United might dominate possession I can’t see them having it all their own way and Palace have dangerous players.

The fact that United play with such advanced wide men in Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard means that their full-backs won’t have much protection, which is dangerous up against Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha, who will be desperate to prove a point, while Connor Wickham is probably their main goal threat.

I do see United getting the job done though and their fans might even be treated to a few goals again! Wayne Rooney is looking fresh now and Martial has developed into a real match winner.

Charlie predicts: 3-1 and Rooney to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet) 

Rangers v Hibernian (Saturday, 3pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD)

Rangers may have needed penalties to beat Celtic in the semis but they thoroughly deserved the win. They actually out-passed them and played the better football.

Hibernian are a good side to watch as well and there’s no doubt they have the weapons to hurt Rangers, who are the favourites …

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