{"id":9272,"date":"2026-05-16T19:14:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T19:14:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=9272"},"modified":"2026-05-16T19:14:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T19:14:26","slug":"chelsea-vs-man-city-fa-cup-final-preview-team-news-and-prediction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=9272","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea vs Man City FA Cup Final preview, team news and prediction"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-body\">\n<h2 class=\"LeadText_lead-text__wd_PA __className_184259\" data-testid=\"leadtext\">The FA Cup final takes place this weekend with Manchester City entering their fourth successive final and face a Chelsea side desperately looking to secure a win in an otherwise disastrous season<\/h2>\n<div class=\"Byline_byline-container__K_Owl\" data-testid=\"byline\"><span class=\"Byline_byline-content-wrapper__Imque Byline_affiliate__x6U8c\" data-testid=\"byline-content\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"DisclosureNotice_disclosure-notice__LgLFU\">This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"SlideViewerButton_slide-viewer-button__BDJoG\" aria-label=\"Open image viewer\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-controls=\"image-lightbox\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-embed__0T8WX ImageEmbed_image-lead__Ti3qQ\" data-testid=\"leadimage\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"37154806\">\n<div class=\"ImageEmbed_image-container__2AIQm\">\n<figure class=\"Figure_figure__Uce4f\" style=\"--figure-aspect-ratio:1.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Pep Guardiola\" loading=\"eager\" sizes=\"(max-width: 508px) 508px, (max-width: 615px) 615px, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37154806.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2275563866.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37154806.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s508\/0_GettyImages-2275563866.jpg 508w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37154806.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s615\/0_GettyImages-2275563866.jpg 615w, https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37154806.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200f\/0_GettyImages-2275563866.jpg 1200w\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"ImageCaption_caption__j7HRu\" data-testid=\"image-caption\">\n<p aria-label=\"Pep Guardiola will be looking for his third FA Cup win as Man City boss\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Pep Guardiola will be looking for his third FA Cup win as Man City boss<cite aria-label=\"Image: Getty Images\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-credit__wlx1W\" data-testid=\"caption-credit\">(Image: Getty Images)<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<p><\/button><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Wembley Stadium is set for the FA Cup Final as Manchester City look to see off Chelsea and secure their third win in the competition under Pep Guardiola. With an unprecedented four consecutive final appearances, the Cityzens will be looking to get one over the Blues especially after losing last year&#8217;s final to Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The bookies are expecting this to be a rather one-sided affair with City the odds-on favourites at 7\/10 with BetGoodwin while Chelsea are 18\/5 with Sky Bet and a draw is 29\/10 with Paddy Power. You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Manchester City come into the weekend in formidable form, unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions and winning eight of them. Seven of their past eight games have featured over 2.5 goals, with Pep Guardiola\u2019s side hitting at least three in five of those fixtures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">They have also paired that firepower with defensive solidity, keeping six clean sheets during the same nine-game run, meaning it will likely take a standout display to break them down. The league meeting between the sides at the Etihad ended 1-1, but their most recent clash at Stamford Bridge last month was far more one-sided, as City won 3-0 through goals from Nico O\u2019Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku.<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContentsEmbed_affiliate-contents-container__oTiet\" data-testid=\"affiliate-contents-embed\">\n<div data-testid=\"affiliate-content\" class=\"AffiliateContent_affiliate-content-container__10EX_ affiliate-content\">\n<p>Bet \u00a310 Get \u00a315 Free Bets with BetGoodwin<\/p>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM AffiliateContent_content-details__U6C2M AffiliateContent_has-content-img___LY95\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-image__FxPNL\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article37091126.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s510b\/0_MirrorRegional_WelcomOfferWeb1200x675-1.jpg\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_content-price-details__OpMC_\">\n<p>Bet \u00a310 Get \u00a315 Free Bets<\/p>\n<p>BetGoodwin<\/p>\n<p>Claim Here<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"AffiliateContent_section-container__JMDzM\">\n<div id=\"product-description\" class=\"AffiliateContent_section-content__QCkL9\">\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">New customers can enjoy \u00a315 in free bets with BetGoodwin when they sign-up using promo code <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">WELCOME15 <\/strong>and bet \u00a310 on any sports market at the minimum odds. Here is your step-by-step guide on how to get that during the business-end of the football season:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"NumberedList_numbered-list__oytz_\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"ordered-list\">\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Head over to BetGoodwin&#8217;s welcome offer page<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Register your account and head over to &#8220;My Bonuses&#8221; to enter code <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">WELCOME15<\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Deposit at least \u00a310 into your account and place a qualifying bet of \u00a310 at EVS (1\/1) or greater on any sports market within seven days of registering your account<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Only the first bet placed after registration counts towards this promotion<\/li>\n<li class=\"LiItem_li-item__IF4xI\">Once the bet has fully settled, you will be credited with three \u00a35 free bets<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><em>18+ | Gamble responsibly | <\/em><em>gambleaware.org<\/em> <!-- --><em>| Free bets in the form of 3 x \u00a35 free bet tokens: \u00a35 accumulator free bet; \u00a35 Sports free bet; \u00a35 Sub Cover Free Bet | Head to BetGoodwin for Sub Cover details | Free bets available for seven days from full settlement of qualifying bet | Not to be used in conjunction with any other BetGoodwin offer | Full T&#038;Cs apply<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">City have also had the edge in recent domestic cup meetings. In the last three such ties between the clubs \u2014 two in the FA Cup and one in the EFL Cup \u2014 they have won every time without conceding. Chelsea, by contrast, arrive at the final in poor shape, losing eight of their last 11 matches across league and cup. They failed to score in six of those defeats and conceded three or more goals on six occasions, underlining the scale of the task they face.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"HeadingTwo_heading-two__4TTeG  __className_7ebe58\">Man City vs Chelsea Prediction<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><em>18+ | Gamble responsibly |<\/em> <em>gambleaware.org<\/em> <em>| Odds subject to change<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"HeadingTwo_heading-two__4TTeG  __className_7ebe58\">Man City vs Chelsea Team News<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Chelsea will be without highly-rated youngster Estevao for the FA Cup final after the Brazilian was ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury picked up in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also missed the draw with Liverpool following a heavy clash of heads with Morgan Gibbs-White in the 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest earlier this month and will be assessed. Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto have sat out the last two matches with minor knocks but are expected to be available, offering McFarlane a lift in attack.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Captain Reece James, meanwhile, has returned from a hamstring problem and could be fit to lead Chelsea out at Wembley. Manchester City, by contrast, are close to full strength. Rodri is the only notable doubt after missing the last five games with a groin issue. He has returned to training, but Pep Guardiola has yet to confirm whether he will be involved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku are all expected to come back into the starting XI after being rested against Crystal Palace, with James Trafford tipped to start in goal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">READ MORE:<\/strong> <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Free Bets &#038; Bookmaker Sign Up Offers<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"HeadingThree_heading-three__PBHLs  __className_7ebe58\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Gamble responsibly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The FA Cup final takes place this weekend with Manchester City entering their fourth successive&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9273,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9272","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9272","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9272"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9272\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9272"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9272"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9272"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}