Saturday promises a packed schedule for soccer enthusiasts with major matches taking place across the globe. A highlight is the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, featuring Crystal Palace against Manchester City at 11:30 a.m. ET. This marks City`s 14th appearance in the FA Cup final, while Crystal Palace is competing in their third, having previously lost to Manchester United in 1990 and 2016.
The FA Cup final features significant star power, including Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, who is back after nearly two months sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in the quarterfinals. Haaland has scored 21 Premier League goals this season. Manchester City is the favorite to win the cup, listed at -230, with Crystal Palace the underdog at +180.
The day`s soccer action extends beyond the FA Cup. In MLS, the Columbus Crew will host FC Cincinnati at 7:15 p.m. ET. NWSL fans can watch Washington Spirit take on Utah Royals FC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
With numerous soccer games available for betting, SportsLine`s soccer expert Brandt Sutton has analyzed the odds to provide valuable picks for Saturday, May 17. Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine`s leading soccer editor for over six years, consistently delivering profitable picks across various leagues, including the FA Cup, Premier League, and Champions League.
Brandt Sutton`s Top Soccer Picks for Saturday, May 17:
FA Cup: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
Pick: Manchester City to win (90 minutes). Odds: -130.
Sutton notes Manchester City`s dominant recent form against Crystal Palace, including a 5-2 victory on April 12 where they scored five unanswered goals. City is unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Palace, securing four wins and scoring 18 goals in the last six meetings. Sutton expects Pep Guardiola`s side to claim victory.
MLS: Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati
Pick: Over 2.5 goals. Odds: -106.
Sutton calls the “Hell is Real” derby one of his favorites due to its tendency for high-scoring matches. He points out that over 2.5 goals have been scored in five of the last six meetings between these rivals and anticipates at least three goals in this match.
NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. Utah Royals FC
Pick: Washington Spirit to win (90 minutes). Odds: -165.
Sutton highlights Utah Royals FC`s recent struggles, including three consecutive losses. He notes the Royals have failed to score in five of their last six games and backs Washington to secure all three points at home.
