FA Cup Final Preview: Chelsea vs Man City – Prediction, Team News, Lineups
The journey towards Wembley ends in a spectacular finale on Saturday as Chelsea take on Manchester City in the FA Cup Final of 2026. It is essential for Pep Guardiola’s relentless team that this trophy adds another feather in the cap as they fight for supremacy against Arsenal in an incredibly close chase in the Premier League.
As for Chelsea, which at the moment finds itself under the tutelage of interim manager Calum McFarlane, winning this FA Cup final is a chance to make up for their disastrous season so far. Opposing them is a refreshed Manchester City that hopes to put on a performance for the ages.
FORM
- Chelsea (LLWLD)
- Manchester City (WWDWW)
City reach Wembley Stadium riding on a high from their comfortable win over Crystal Palace with a scoreline of 3-0 on Wednesday. The Blues, for their part, arrive following an entertaining 1-1 draw with the Reds and will have to raise their game to beat the reigning champions.
INSIGHTS
- The Bernardo Farewell Tour: All eyes have been on the upcoming farewell tour for Bernardo Silva. At 31 years old, this veteran playmaker has announced that he will be leaving the City once his contract expires at the end of June. Although speculations are rife about a transfer to Barcelona, Silva is adamant about not making any decisions until May 25th, the day after the league ends its season.
- Guardiola’s Gamble: Pep Guardiola took a bold call and decided not to play Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki in the match against Palace on Wednesday. As luck would have it, the risk paid off, and City won by 3-0, ensuring that their best attackers are available and fresh for the finals at Wembley.
- The João Pedro Factor: The entire team’s performance during the final will depend greatly on João Pedro. He has been the best player in the squad this year and holds the record for being the club’s top scorer, having scored 23 goals in all the games this season.
Team News
Chelsea
The interim manager Calum McFarlane is certainly having issues with some injury casualties. Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Jesse Derry have been ruled out due to injuries. But the good news is that there is a huge boost coming from Robert Sánchez, Pedro Neto, and Alejandro Garnacho, who are all set to resume training for this week. If Robert Sánchez is able to clear the late fitness test, then he will be starting as the goalkeeper and Levi Colwill, who played extremely well against Liverpool, will be in defence again.
Expected XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, James; Palmer, Fernández, Neto; João Pedro.
Manchester City
The biggest worry of City will be the condition of Rodri. Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or award, has yet to recover from a groin injury problem and remains a big doubt for the clash. Should he not pass his fitness test before kickoff, Nico González will step into that holding role, which would move Silva into his usual spots. Cup keeper James Trafford will get the nod in goal for this encounter.
Expected XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; González, Silva; Cherki, Semenyo, Doku; Haaland.
Prediction: 2-1 win for Manchester City after a tough battle. Even though Chelsea is fast enough in their attack to exploit the weaknesses in the defence of Manchester City through counterattacks, the strength of a well-rested Haaland and Doku as well as the motivation to see Silva leave with a trophy will ensure Guardiola’s team lifts the trophy.
