🏏 Sat, 16 May 2026 15:00 BST
Chelsea
vs
Manchester City
3-4-2-1 vs 4-2-2-2
Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- The FA Cup final, held at Wembley Stadium. Chelsea aim for a ninth title, their first in four years since 2021-22, while Manchester City chase an eighth, their first in three years since their treble in 2022-23. In the semi-finals Chelsea beat Leeds and City duly saw off Southampton to reach the final.
- Cole Palmer's tie against his old club is the biggest point of interest. The 24-year-old Manchester City academy graduate, who moved to Chelsea for 40 million pounds in the summer of 2023, scored 22 Premier League goals in his first season. With shooting and through-balls off his left foot, he reigns as the heart of Chelsea's attack and has again led the team with 15 league goals this season.
- A clash of the world's elite strikers. Haaland (25, Norway international), who brings power and pace off his 195cm frame, leads the Golden Boot race with 28 Premier League goals this season. Meanwhile, Joao Pedro (24, Brazil international), who joined from Brighton for 60 million pounds, has scored 14 goals with a soft touch and clever positioning and has grown into a Chelsea talisman.
- A battle for midfield control. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri (29), back from a serious ACL injury, completely controls the tempo as the heart of City. Chelsea, by contrast, have their midfield held by the double pivot of Caicedo (24, Ecuador international), a British-record 115 million pound signing, and Enzo Fernandez (25, Argentina international), a 2022 World Cup winner.
- A clash of formations, 3-4-2-1 against 4-2-3-1. Chelsea line up a young back three of Colwill (23), Fofana (25) and Hato (20), with wing-backs Cucurella (27) and Gusto (22) contributing at both ends. City, with a back four, aim for a tactical edge through the unorthodox full-back use of Nico O'Reilly (21, converted from attacking midfielder to left-back) and Nunes (27, converted from midfielder to right-back).
- A final debut for new signings. For City, can Omar Marmoush (27, Egypt international), acquired in the winter 2025 transfer market, show the ability with which he tore up the Bundesliga at Eintracht Frankfurt? Antoine Semenyo (26, Ghana international), signed from Bournemouth for 64 million pounds, made an explosive start with six goals in the opening seven matches, his two-footed accuracy a weapon.
- A captains' duel and coping with pressure. Chelsea captain Reece James (26, England international), back from repeated injuries, dominates the right flank with powerful crosses and long-range shots. City, meanwhile, are led by the veteran Bernardo Silva (31, Portugal international) with his experience and technique. Though small at 173cm, his overwhelming football IQ and low rate of losing the ball make him strong on the big stage.
- The two managers' final experience. Pep Guardiola (53) chases an 11th major title at City, his first FA Cup final since the 2022-23 clash with Manchester United. Chelsea's Liam Rosenior (40) is in his first FA Cup final; can he, a club legend who as a player won the FA Cup four times in 2000, 2007, 2009 and 2010, put that experience to use as a manager?