Chelsea vs Man City predictions as Calum McFarlane given three-step plan to stop Pep Guardiola
Chelsea have lost each of their last three FA Cup finals, and Manchester City will be looking to pile on the misery.
Enzo Fernandez fired Chelsea to victory in the FA Cup semi-final(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Chelsea have been tipped to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The Blues will lock horns with Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they battle it out for the oldest national football competition in the world.
Since losing to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final back in May 2021, Manchester City haven’t lost any of the last 13 meetings across all competitions, winning 10 and drawing three. It’s the Blues’ longest losing streak against an opponent since they went 17 matches without a victory against Arsenal between January 1999 and March 2004.
Chelsea have also lost each of their last three FA Cup finals, from 2020 to 2022. Although Manchester City will certainly fancy their chances, Calum McFarlane’s side have had longer to prepare for the showdown in the capital.
Guardiola will only have had two days to gear up for the clash, having faced Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night. That said, the Spaniard made six changes, and left Erling Haaland on the bench for the duration of the game.
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The Norway international is yet to score in a final for Manchester City after nine attempts, including the Community Shield. Wembley is also the only stadium he’s played at more than twice for the seven-time FA Cup winners without scoring (eight games, 601 minutes, and eleven shots).
Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez has always relished the big occasion, winning nine of the 10 finals he’s ever played, with his first defeat coming against Liverpool after extra time in the Carabao Cup back in February 2024.
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So, with that being said, journalist at football.london have predicted who will waltz away victorious this weekend.
Bobby Vincent
A chance for McFarlane to make himself a part of Chelsea folklore. It really is that big. People have debated in recent years whether the FA Cup has lost its magic but for the Blues, this could be the most magical part of their season.
Failure to win would make it one they wish to forget as soon as possible. Against Man City, perhaps the best side in the country at the moment, their job could not be any harder. Against the serial winner that is Guardiola, McFarlane has his work cut out.
Promisingly, though, McFarlane went to the Etihad Stadium in January and went toe-to-toe with Guardiola in a 1-1 draw. That has to give him confidence – it has to give the Chelsea players confidence as well.
We’ve seen this season, when you least expect it, Chelsea can show what they are all about – for all of the right reasons. Here is hoping they can do that again at Wembley. I think they can, I really do; as long as they keep their shape, show fight and possess attacking threat going the other way, City could be in for a shock.
NAME’s prediction: Chelsea win – 2-1
Sam Truelove
What a glorious occasion the FA Cup final is. Under the Wembley arch, both Chelsea and Man City will fight it out to lift the historic trophy come 5pm-ish on Saturday.
With Chelsea in horrific form, I can see that continuing and I’m backing Pep Guardiola’s side to come out victorious. Man City are unbeaten in their last eight fixtures in all competitions and could secure their second trophy of the season this weekend, after beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final on March 22.
Erling Haaland already has three goals in the FA Cup this season and I see the big Norwegian making it at least four against the Blues. Ryan Cherki could also have a big influence after he was rested for the majority of City’s midweek win against Brentford.
Sam’s prediction: Manchester City win – 2-0
Jake Stokes
Chelsea will relish the role of the underdog and just get over the line. Although the Blues haven’t been great this season, I think they’ll rise to the occasion and stifle a slightly weary Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s side will only have Thursday and Friday to prepare for the clash and travel down to the capital. The Spaniard made six changes on Wednesday night when Manchester City beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League, but I just think the turnaround will be too sharp.
They’ll still certainly give Chelsea a run for their money, but they may not have that same bite or edge. Had they, like the Blues, had a full week to recharge their batteries, it would be a different story. Perhaps I’m underestimating Guardiola, though…
Jake’s prediction: Chelsea win – 2-1
