Chelsea are set to face Manchester City in an FA Cup final clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 16 May 2026.
City are looking to win their second piece of silverware after their Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal, while Chelsea, on the other hand, are seeking to salvage a disappointing campaign with a trophy.
Teams’ Form And Recent Performances
Chelsea
Following a shambolic league campaign in which they lost six of their last seven matches, scoring just two goals, Chelsea have taken solace in reaching the FA Cup final — the oldest cup competition in football.
The Blues recorded victories over Charlton Athletic, Hull City, Wrexham, Port Vale and Leeds United, including a semi-final triumph, to secure a spot at Wembley.
Also Read: Why Chelsea Have Advantage In FA Cup Final — Guardiola
The Blues, now led by interim head coach Calum McFarlane, capped a challenging week on a high note thanks to a goal from Enzo Fernandez. They now have the opportunity to hand City a third consecutive FA Cup final defeat and clinch their first domestic cup triumph since 2018.
Man City
City are still fighting on two fronts and are aiming to win another domestic treble after achieving the feat during the 2018/19 campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s side kept the Premier League title race alive following a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace in midweek, cutting league leaders Arsenal’s gap to two points with two games left to play.
The Cityzens survived a scare in the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton after falling behind in the 79th minute, as late goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez sealed victory.
Head-To-Head Statistics
Chelsea and Manchester City have met on 175 occasions, with both teams recording 67 victories each, while 41 matches have ended in draws.
Guardiola’s side are currently on a 13-match unbeaten run against Chelsea, winning 10 of those encounters.
In fact, the last time Chelsea defeated City was in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, when Kai Havertz scored the only goal to hand the west London club their second Champions League title.
The Champions League final in Porto was only the second time these two sides had met in a major cup final, with the first coming in the 2019 Carabao Cup final, where Manchester City won 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Key Players Analysis
Chelsea
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro has enjoyed an impressive campaign since leaving Brighton & Hove Albion for Chelsea last summer, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists. The 24-year-old has been the Blues’ standout performer in an otherwise disappointing season.
The Brazilian is a prolific goalscorer who can operate centrally or drift into wider positions, utilising his quick movement and dribbling ability.
Enzo Fernandez
Fernandez is a technical and versatile midfielder who dictates play through exceptional passing, awareness and positioning.
Also Read: FA Cup Final: Chelsea Need A Miracle To Overcome Man City –Petit
The Argentina international is Chelsea’s second-highest goalscorer, with 14 goals and six assists to his name.
Man City
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has been a pivotal and decisive player for City this season. The 25-year-old has registered 37 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The Norwegian is a unique goalscorer blessed with blistering pace, elite off-the-ball movement, and clinical finishing. He has recorded four goals and two assists in eight appearances against Chelsea.
Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki has become a vital member of the Manchester City squad since his £32 million summer move from Olympique Lyonnais.
The France international has contributed 25 goal involvements — 10 goals and 15 assists — in all competitions for City, cementing his place as one of the club’s best signings of the season.
Cherki is a creative and technically gifted attacking midfielder known for his exceptional close control and elite dribbling. Comfortable with both feet, he possesses the ability to create magic in the final third and also has a keen eye for goal.
Team News
Chelsea
Chelsea will be without talented youngster Estevao Willian for the FA Cup final, with the Brazilian ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Captain Reece James is fit enough to lead the team at Wembley after recovering from a hamstring injury. Levi Colwill is also available after starting Chelsea’s last two matches following a lengthy injury lay-off.
Also Read: Sanchez Weighs Up Chelsea’s Chances Against Man City In FA Cup Final
McFarlane stated during his pre-FA Cup final press conference that Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Robert Sanchez have all returned to training and are in contention to feature on Saturday.
Man City
Rodri, who has missed the last five games across all competitions due to a groin injury, is the only major doubt for Manchester City ahead of the FA Cup final.
Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki are all expected to line up behind Haaland, who is set to start after being an unused substitute against Crystal Palace.
Possible Starting Line-Ups
Chelsea (3-4-3):
Jorgensen; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; James, Caicedo, Enzo, Cucurella; Palmer, Pedro, Neto
Man City (4-2-3-1):
Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Nico, Silva; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland
By Habeeb Kuranga
