Two of English football's most historic clubs are set to collide in a blockbuster FA Cup Final this Saturday, May 16, as Chelsea takes on Manchester City at London's iconic Wembley Stadium. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. ET, and you can catch all the action live on Paramount+.
Manchester City are making history as the first team to reach the FA Cup Final four years running. After falling short in the last two finals, Pep Guardiola's squad is hungry to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2023. On the other side, Chelsea are making their 17th FA Cup Final appearance, but they'll be looking to break a three-final losing streak—their last triumph came back in 2018.
On the betting front, Manchester City enter as heavy -135 favorites on the 90-minute money line, meaning a $135 bet would net $100. Chelsea are +360 underdogs, offering a $360 return on a $100 wager, while a draw sits at +300. The total goals Over/Under is set at 2.5, with the Over priced at -135 and the Under at +105. For the outright winner, City are -275 to lift the cup, while Chelsea are +210.
Before placing your bets, it's worth checking out the insights from SportsLine soccer expert Jon Eimer. Eimer finished 2023 as SportsLine's No. 1 soccer analyst, posting a stellar 248-234-12 record (+25.93 units) on his picks. He's carried that momentum into 2025, turning a profit across multiple leagues including the Premier League, Champions League, and La Liga. Followers of his soccer betting picks have seen impressive returns at sportsbooks and betting apps.
Now, let's dive into Eimer's top bet for the final.
Best Bet: Manchester City to score in the first half (-130, 1 unit)
Eimer isn't mincing words: "I'm not going to hold back on this writeup. I believe with all my heart that Chelsea do not stand a chance in this match." While he acknowledges that finals can produce surprises, he's confident that Chelsea simply don't have the firepower to deal with Manchester City.
Chelsea have been stumbling toward the finish line, with the last two months marking one of the ugliest stretches in recent club history. A 1-1 draw against Liverpool on the final matchday offered a brief respite, but before that, they were a punching bag in the Premier League. Even a narrow 1-0 win failed to inspire confidence. Against a Manchester City side that thrives on early pressure, Eimer sees a first-half goal as almost inevitable.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual bettor, this FA Cup Final promises drama, history, and plenty of action. Get your gear ready, settle in, and enjoy the spectacle.