Chelsea and Manchester City will meet beneath the Wembley arch on Saturday afternoon in the 145th FA Cup final, with both clubs chasing major silverware at a defining stage of their seasons.
Chelsea arrive at Wembley hoping to rescue something positive from a difficult campaign that has left supporters frustrated despite heavy investment and high expectations. Interim manager Calum McFarlane guided the Blues into the final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the semi-finals, thanks to an Enzo Fernandez header.
The result secured Chelsea’s 17th FA Cup final appearance, although their struggles in the Premier League continue, with the club sitting ninth and winless in seven league matches despite recently earning a 1-1 draw at Liverpool.
Chelsea has taken to their official X account to share a video highlight of Eden Hazard’s winning penalty from the 2018 FA Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Manchester United 1-0.
Watch the video:
Victory on Saturday would not only deliver Chelsea’s ninth FA Cup crown but also secure qualification for next season’s Europa League. The pressure is therefore enormous on a youthful squad still searching for consistency.
Manchester City, meanwhile, continue to make history under Pep Guardiola. The Citizens have become the first side ever to reach four consecutive FA Cup finals and are aiming to avoid a third straight defeat in the competition’s showpiece after recent losses to Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
City’s route to Wembley has been dominant, including victories over Newcastle United, Liverpool, and Southampton, while their pursuit of a domestic cup double remains alive following EFL Cup success earlier this year. Guardiola’s side also carry a formidable recent record against Chelsea, remaining unbeaten in their last 13 meetings across all competitions.
With silverware, European qualification, and history all on the line, Wembley is set for another dramatic FA Cup final.
Team News
Chelsea remain without Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, and Jesse Derry through injury, though Robert Sanchez, Pedro Neto, and Alejandro Garnacho all returned to training this week and could feature.
Reece James has also trained well and may return either at right-back or in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo. Enzo Fernandez enters the final in strong FA Cup form after contributing six goals in nine appearances in the competition.
Manchester City’s only major concern surrounds Rodri, who remains doubtful with a groin injury.
However, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and Nico O’Reilly are all expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in midweek.
Possible Lineups
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Hato; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Cucurella; Pedro
Manchester City possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Gonzalez, Bernardo; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
How to watch
| Channel | Region | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| BBC One | United Kingdom | 15:00 BST |
| SuperSport, DSTV Now | Nigeria Africa | 15:00 WAT |
| ESPN | USA | 10:00 ET |
Match Prediction
Softfootball predicts City to secure a 3-2 victory and lift the FA Cup.
Chelsea may raise their level for the occasion, but Manchester City’s experience, squad depth, and recent dominance in this fixture make them favourites.
