Chelsea will battle Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, with both sides chasing silverware in a high-stakes clash that could define their seasons.
The Blues, eight-time winners of the competition, are returning to the final for the first time since the 2021/22 campaign.
They will be desperate to end their recent heartbreak in the tournament.
Chelsea booked their place in the final after edging Leeds United 1-0 in the semi-finals, a result that came shortly after the club dismissed manager Liam Rosenior.
The decision initially appeared to pay off, but the London side have failed to build momentum since then, managing just one draw and recording one defeat in their last two matches.
Their Premier League struggles have further heightened the importance of Saturday’s showdown, with winning the FA Cup now seen as their most realistic route to securing European football next season.
However, history is not on Chelsea’s side.
The Blues have lost four of their last five FA Cup final appearances, including each of their last three.
Manchester City head into the encounter in far better form after thrashing Crystal Palace 3-0 in the Premier League on Wednesday to maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, recording eight wins and one draw during that run.
City are appearing in their fourth consecutive FA Cup final and 15th overall, having won the competition seven times.
The former champions have been dominant throughout this season’s tournament, scoring 21 goals and conceding just three in five matches en route to Wembley.
Guardiola’s men also arrive with confidence after defeating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year.
City have also enjoyed recent dominance over Chelsea, going unbeaten in their last 13 meetings across all competitions, winning 10 and drawing three since losing the 2021 UEFA Champions League final to the Blues.
They have also won six of their previous eight FA Cup meetings with Chelsea.
For Chelsea, João Pedro could be a key figure after scoring in two of their last three FA Cup games.
Manchester City will look to in-form winger Jérémy Doku, who has scored four goals in his last four appearances, including in the semi-final.
Chelsea could be without Pedro Neto and goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, while City are hopeful that midfield anchor Rodri will return after missing their last five games.
