Calum McFarlane is set for the biggest day of his managerial career when he leads Chelsea out at Wembley for the FA Cup final, and has plenty of history with key Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly.
Chelsea are without a permanent manager for the most crucial game of the season this weekend after sacking Liam Rosenior after just three months in charge.
Rosenior had successfully navigated the opening rounds against lower-league opposition, while McFarlane’s first game back in charge saw them get past Leeds United in the semi-finals.
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Calum McFarlane has history with Man City’s Nico O’Reilly
The interim boss is very familiar with the opposition, working as their academy’s assistant manager between 2020 and 2023.
During this period, City won the Under 18 Premier League national title in 2022, with McFarlane helping play a key role in the development of Nico O’Reilly.
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The 21-year-old has become a crucial part of the City first team now under Pep Guardiola, and is expected to start against the Blues at the weekend.
Chelsea fans know full well how impactful the England international is from when he opened the scoring in one of Liam Rosenior’s final games in charge of the club.
His attacking influence down the left will likely be dealt with by Malo Gusto. Even though Reece James is fit, it feels more likely he will be used in the middle of midfield.
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Chelsea XI vs City in 2021
Chelsea fitness update ahead of FA Cup final
Chelsea’s most recent Premier League game against Liverpool showed off that they had no fit senior wingers to name in the starting side.
Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens’ seasons are over, alongside Jesse Derry after his nasty head injury against Nottingham Forest.
There is hope that Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto will be fit enough to feature, although there is no clarity at this stage.
Meanwhile, James is expected to be fit, as is Levi Colwill after he completed 90 minutes in his first start of the season against Liverpool.
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