Calum McFarlane faces the biggest managerial moment of his career this weekend when he leads his Chelsea side out for the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Amid a woeful Premier League campaign, the Blues have enjoyed a comfortable route to the final at Wembley in their quest for a first FA Cup trophy since 2018.
Chelsea have at least ended their run of defeats in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, where they welcomed Levi Colwill back to the heart of defence for the first time this season.
Does Pep Guardiola have a point?🤔
Pep Guardiola complaint ahead of FA Cup final
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Chelsea Predicted XI for FA Cup final
Reece James also featured off the bench, and we are predicting both will start against City on Saturday.
Let’s take a look at the rest of our predicted XI to take on the Premier League title hopefuls at Wembley.
It remains to be seen whether Robert Sanchez will make his return, although we are tipping him to start after he was absent last time out due to a head injury.
Malo Gusto will retain his place on the right of defence, as Chelsea again opt for a back five like they did against Liverpool.
Wesley Fofana thought he had found the net to equalise in their last game, although will retain his place more because he impressed at the back.
Colwill will start again after getting through 90 minutes at Anfield. Chelsea have missed him desperately this season and will be glad to see him back for the cup final.
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Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Joining them in the back three will be Jorrel Hato, who has arguably been the most improved player from the second half of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Cucurella will be looking to have the same attacking influence he managed against Liverpool when he starts in the wing-back position again.
Starting Gusto will see James begin in the heart of midfield, the position where he frequently started in big games when Enzo Maresca was in charge.
This will see him partner Moises Caicedo, who showed signs of returning to his best despite the fact Andrey Santos was not having his best game alongside him.
Enzo Fernandez will be tasked with linking everything together, a role he grew into last week after finding the net with a free kick.
What a time it would be for Cole Palmer to return to his best. If there is anyone Chelsea’s superstar has anything to prove to, it would be the side who were open to let him leave.
Joao Pedro will lead the line, looking to add to what has been a brilliant first season as a Chelsea player.
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