Chelsea vs. Man City FA Cup Final Picks – Betting Preview, Team News, Predictions, and Prop Picks (May 16)
- When: Saturday, May 16, 2026. 10:00 AM ET
- Where: Wembley Stadium, London, England
- How to Watch: ESPN
Chelsea vs. Man City Preview
The world’s most famous domestic cup competition reaches its conclusion this weekend, as Chelsea and Man City collide in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. City will still have their sights set on a domestic treble, while the Blues will be aiming to end on a positive note in what has otherwise been an underwhelming campaign.
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Chelsea Stats & Team News
- Overall Record: 13-10-13
- Home Record: 6-5-7
- Road Record: 7-5-6
It has been a disappointing 2025-26 season for Chelsea, as the Blues will miss out on a spot in next season’s Champions League. However, history could be made at Wembley on Saturday, as Calum McFarlane could become the first English manager to win the FA Cup since Harry Redknapp in 2008.
The Blues have typically saved their best recent performances of the domestic cup, with all three of their wins in their last 12 coming in the FA Cup. Reece James is fit again to feature, while Levi Colwill will captain the Blues after returning from injury.
Likely Line-Up:
(4-2-3-1): Sanchez (GK); James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Man City Stats & Team News
- Overall Record: 22-8-5
- Home Record: 13-3-1
- Road Record: 9-5-4
Pep Guardiola’s Man City have been one of the most dominant teams in the FA Cup in recent history, as they will be playing in their fourth straight final. However, it is worth noting that they have suffered defeats in their previous two. City have already shown their quality in domestic cup finals this season, beating Arsenal 2-0 in the EFL Cup showpiece.
Man City’s attacking players have sparkled in recent weeks, scoring three in their previous two. James Trafford is likely to start in goal for Guardiola’s side, while Rodri is in a race against time to prove his fitness.
Likely Line-Up:
(4-2-3-1): Trafford (GK); Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Silva, Reijnders; Semenyo, Cherki, Doku; Haaland
Head-to-Head Trends
- Man City have avoided defeat in their last 13 matches against Chelsea since losing in the 2021 Champions League final.
- Chelsea’s 13-game winless run against City is their longest against a single opponent since March 2004.
Chelsea vs. Man City Prop Picks
Jeremy Doku’s form has been red-hot with four goals in his previous three. The winger has also been a star man for the team in the FA Cup across the last two seasons, registering eight goal involvements. Doku could once again have a significant say in the competition on Saturday.
Chelsea vs. Man City Picks
Man City’s dominant recent form, coupled with Chelsea’s inability to record wins, ensures that this could be a straightforward trip to Wembley for Guardiola’s side. Therefore, they are expected to avenge their defeats in the last two FA Cup finals by beating the Blues.
