Chelsea are going into the FA Cup final as the underdogs at Wembley, but Man City’s Nico O’Reilly is not taking anything for granted going into the game.
Opta have given Chelsea just a 20% chance of winning the cup final, likely taking into account the nightmare run of form the Blues were on in the Premier League under Liam Rosenior.
With Calum McFarlane at the helm, Chelsea have put an end to that run with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool, bringing some confidence back to the side ahead of the big game at Wembley.
Would you make any changes to our FA Cup final XI?
James and Colwill starting together for the first time since the Club World Cup…
Nico O’Reilly expecting a tough game from Chelsea in the FA Cup final
The Blues also know they have picked up a point against City this season while the interim boss was in charge. Enzo Fernandez scored late in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
This is perhaps why Nico O’Reilly is expecting a tough game against Chelsea at Wembley, although is hopeful his side will get the better of their opposition.
Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
He said to ESPN: “I’m expecting a tough game. Yeah, they’ve had a tough few months. Obviously, a change of managers and results not going their way.
“It’s a final now. It can go any way. And, I think they’re going to try and bounce back and try and win the game and it’ll be difficult, but I think if we stick to our game plan and yeah, we should be good and hopefully we get the win.”
Chelsea will need their big players to step up, none more so than Cole Palmer, who will have a point to prove against his former side amidst a tough run of form.
It’s good news for Chelsea, but is it enough? 🏆
Calum McFarlane's latest injury update.
O’Reilly has previous with Calum McFarlane
Before McFarlane ended up at Stamford Bridge, he was a coach with the academy at City, where he enjoyed plenty of success.
This included a 2022 Under 18 Premier League title, where McFarlane was coaching O’Reilly and a number of other current first team stars.
The Englishman has enjoyed a fine season, and scored the opening goal when the two sides met at Stamford Bridge a few weeks ago.
His impact in the EFL Cup final has to be acknowledged too. O’Reilly scored both goals in a 2-0 win against Arsenal, and will be a serious threat to the Blues at Wembley.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox