Saturday presents a packed schedule for soccer enthusiasts, featuring crucial matches across various global leagues. Kicking off the weekend is one of the season`s most anticipated fixtures: the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, where Crystal Palace takes on Manchester City at 11:30 AM ET. This appearance marks Manchester City`s 14th FA Cup final, while Crystal Palace competes in their third, having lost to Manchester United in both the 1990 and 2016 finals.
The FA Cup final is set to feature significant talent, including the return of forward Erling Haaland for Manchester City. The prolific Norwegian, who has scored 21 Premier League goals this season, recently recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the FA Cup quarterfinals that kept him sidelined for almost two months. Manchester City is listed as a strong favorite to win the trophy at -230 odds, with Crystal Palace considered the underdog at +180.
The soccer action doesn`t conclude with the FA Cup. Later, MLS sees the Columbus Crew host FC Cincinnati at 7:15 PM ET, followed by NWSL play featuring the Washington Spirit against Utah Royals FC at 7:30 PM ET. With numerous betting opportunities available across these matches, SportsLine`s soccer expert Brandt Sutton has analyzed the odds to identify value picks for Saturday, May 17.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has served as SportsLine`s leading soccer editor for more than six years. In 2023, he proved profitable for subscribers across multiple competitions, including the Champions League, English Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup. He also finished 2022 as SportsLine`s top-ranked soccer expert, boasting a 165-130-2 record and generating nearly $2,200 in profit for those wagering $100 per pick.
Saturday`s Top Soccer Picks by Brandt Sutton
FA Cup: Manchester City (-130 for 90-minute win)
According to Sutton, “Manchester City comfortably defeated Crystal Palace 5-2 on April 12, scoring five goals without reply after initially falling behind 2-0 within the first 21 minutes.” He highlights City`s dominant head-to-head record, noting they are unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Palace, securing four wins and scoring 18 goals in the last six matches. Sutton backs Pep Guardiola`s side to claim the victory.
MLS: Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati – Over 2.5 total goals (-106)
Sutton describes the “Hell is Real derby” as a personal favorite in MLS, known for its exciting, high-scoring nature. He points out that the rivalry has produced over 2.5 goals in five of their last six meetings and anticipates a similar outcome with at least three goals scored in this upcoming match.
NWSL: Washington Spirit (-165 for 90-minute win)
Brandt Sutton favors the Washington Spirit, pointing to the recent poor form of Utah Royals FC, who have suffered three consecutive losses and failed to score in five of their previous six games. He predicts Washington will win at home and secure the full three points.
Dominic Ashworth