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Charlie Nicholas' FA Cup and Scottish Cup final predictions

Generic Charlie Nicholas image 10/08/2016

Charlie Nicholas provides his predictions for Saturday's FA Cup and Scottish Cup finals.

Charlie is backing goals galore in the two showpieces as Chelsea and Manchester United battle it out in their last chances to secure silverware, while Celtic attempt to complete back-to-back domestic trebles.

Here's what the Arsenal and Celtic legend is predicting for the two clashes...

Chelsea v Manchester United (Saturday, 5.15pm)

I think the bookies are slightly edging towards Manchester United and that is perhaps due to Alexis Sanchez's record at Wembley, otherwise I don't really see them as favourites.

United have been average, Chelsea have been unpredictable. We know the managers don't have any time for each other and I think it will be Antonio Conte's final game, so his players should be fired up to give him a good send-off.

Antonio Conte looks on from the touchline at St James' Park
Image: There's speculation surrounding Antonio Conte's future at Chelsea

Jose Mourinho will set his side up to stifle Eden Hazard. While he hasn't been at his best, the top players have the ability to turn it on when they hit the big stage.

They have to start Olivier Giroud and, with his lethal form, I believe Chelsea have the better firepower on their day than United. If you get Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas linking up then they can create havoc.

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Alexis Sanchez is set to face former club Arsenal on Sunday
Image: Alexis Sanchez has an excellent record at Wembley

I've never heard Jose Mourinho say second place is a good season and I think he could end the season empty-handed as well, with Conte having the last laugh before he walks away for a new opportunity.

Charlie predicts: 3-2 and Giroud to score first (180/1 with Sky Bet)

Charlie's RAB
Charlie's RAB

Find out what Charlie is backing in his FA Cup final RequestABet here.

Celtic v Motherwell (Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football from 2pm)

Well people might suggest it is a foregone conclusion but all the pressure is on Celtic. There is history on the line, with the opportunity to win back-to-back trebles for the first time.

Live Scottish Cup Football

They had been been wiping the floor with everyone in their path, but it hasn't been as straight-forward this season and Motherwell are an awkward side and they'll attempt to disrupt Celtic's rhythm.

Odsonne Edouard has been Celtic's best player but it looks like he's going to miss out with a hamstring injury. He's a level up from the Scottish game and I'd be amazed if a few Premier League clubs haven't been looking at him.

Edouard celebrates putting Celtic in front
Image: Odsonne Edouard looks set to miss out with a hamstring injury

That makes me suspect they only play Moussa Dembele up front on his own, but the man I expect to make the difference is Tom Rogic with his runs from midfield.

Cedric Kipre has been sent off in two of the meetings this season and he and Scott Brown will be be queuing up to kick each other, so I think there will disciplinary issues along with plenty of goals.

Charlie predicts: 4-1 and Rogic to score first (60/1 with Sky Bet)

Fantasy Six-a-Side
Fantasy Six-a-Side

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