FA Cup final day is here with Chelsea and Manchester City set to battle at Wembley this afternoon. It has been a thoroughly miserable season for the Blues, marked by more upheaval in the dugout and growing discontent in the stands. However, victory today could salvage some silverware in what would be a phenomenal personal achievement for interim boss Calum McFarlane, who was parachuted in as Liam Rosenior's replacement last month.
City are still on the hunt for a domestic treble, having already won the Carabao Cup in March. The title race with Arsenal could go right to the wire next week, and a win today might provide the final push they need. City have been in the final in each of the last two seasons but were beaten on both occasions.
Alan Shearer's Big Prediction
Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer provided his big match prediction this week. 'It is really interesting that City have lost the last two finals as favourites,' Shearer said. 'I did the co-comms last year for that game when Crystal Palace beat them. Chelsea showed slight improvement last week against Liverpool despite going 1-0 down. I just think because of the mood that City are in, the belief and the confidence, they'll edge it. I know that City still give you chances, even watching the game against Crystal Palace, they missed two or three really good chances. I think there'll be a lot of goals in this, but I think Man City will edge it just.' His prediction is a Manchester City win.
How Chelsea Could Line Up
Levi Colwill was excellent against Liverpool last weekend, playing the full 90 for the first time all season after his ACL injury. His presence could be huge today.
Chelsea Injury News – Wide Options Back from Injury
Chelsea did not have a single senior winger available last weekend against Liverpool, with Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho joining Estevao and Jamie Gittens on the sidelines. Neto and Garnacho have trained this week and are expected to be available, along with Robert Sanchez in goal after he was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Morgan Gibbs-White against Nottingham Forest.
How City Could Line Up
If Rodri is fit, he will partner Bernardo Silva in midfield. It is a side that has served Pep well.
Man City Injury News – Will Rodri Play?
The Spain international has missed his side's last five games due to a groin problem, with his last appearance coming in the Premier League victory over Arsenal in April. The 29-year-old, who missed more than seven months of action with an ACL injury in 2024, has had various fitness issues this season, missing 15 games earlier in the campaign with a hamstring issue. He has been limited to just 23 starting appearances in all competitions this season, with Pep Guardiola revealing his doubts over his availability earlier this week.
FA Cup Final Live Stream and TV Channel
You can watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. You can also tune in on TNT Sports 1, with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.
FA Cup Final Kick-Off Time
It will be a very traditional 3pm kick-off at Wembley this afternoon.
Stay with us for all the build-up, confirmed team news, starting XIs, goal updates, and minute-by-minute coverage.
