The stage is set for a thrilling FA Cup final at Wembley this Saturday, as Pep Guardiola's Manchester City take on Calum McFarlane's Chelsea, with both sides hungry for silverware to cap off the season.
City are eyeing their second cup triumph of the campaign, having already lifted the Carabao Cup back in March after a hard-fought win over Arsenal. Now, they have a chance to make it a cup double in London, which would provide a fitting farewell for departing stars Bernardo Silva and John Stones. The Blues enter the final with momentum on their side, following back-to-back 3-0 Premier League victories over Brentford and Crystal Palace—a perfect rebound after last week's slip-up against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Injuries have been a talking point in the build-up. Midfield maestro Rodri missed the midweek win over Palace, and Guardiola hinted in his Friday press conference that a late call would be made on his availability. There was brighter news, however, as Josko Gvardiol made a surprise return to the starting XI against the Eagles, recovering from a tibial fracture suffered back in January that kept him sidelined for four months. Ruben Dias has also returned to full training, giving City a near fully-fit squad as they juggle two fronts in the final week of the season.
This marks City's fourth consecutive FA Cup final appearance, but they'll be eager to turn the tide after losing the previous two editions—to Manchester United in 2024 and Crystal Palace in 2025. There's a score to settle, and the players know it.
With kick-off set for 3:00 PM UK time, the confirmed line-ups from Wembley are in:
Chelsea Starting XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Hato, James, Caicedo, Palmer, Fernandez, Cucurella, Joao Pedro
Substitutes: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Tosin, Chalobah, Essugo, Andrey Santos, Neto, Garnacho, Delap
Manchester City Starting XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O'Reilly, Rodri, Bernardo, Semenyo, Marmoush, Doku, Haaland
Substitutes: Donnarumma, Dias, Reijnders, Stones, Ake, Kovacic, Cherki, Savinho, Fo
It's all to play for at Wembley—expect drama, passion, and top-tier football as these two giants collide for the oldest trophy in the game.