FA Cup final day is here with Chelsea and Manchester City ready for battle at Wembley this afternoon.
It’s been a thoroughly miserable season for the Blues, one marked by more upheaval in the dugout with growing discontent in the stands behind it.
But victory today can salvage some silverware in what would be a phenomenal personal achievement for interim boss Calum McFarlane who was parachuted in as Liam Rosenior’s replacement last month.
City are still on the hunt for a domestic treble having already won the Carabao Cup in March. The title race with Arsenal could go right to the wire next week – victory today could provide them with the final push they need.
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City have been here in the final in each of the last two seasons, beaten on both occasions.
Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.
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May 16, 2026 1:26 pm
How Chelsea could line up this afternoon
Tony Mogan
Levi Colwill was excellent against Liverpool last weekend, playing the full 90 for the first time all season after his ACL injury. His presence could be huge today.
May 16, 2026 1:22 pm
Chelsea injury news today – wide options back from injury
Tony Mogan
Chelsea did not have a single senior winger available last weekend against Liverpool with Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho joining Estevao and Jamie Gittens on the sidelines.
Neto and Garnacho have trained this week however and are expected to be available along with Robert Sanchez in goal after he was involved in that nasty clash of heads with Morgan Gibbs-White against Nottingham Forest.
May 16, 2026 1:19 pm
How City could line up this afternoon
Tony Mogan
Here’s how we have it – if Rodri is indeed fit he will partner Bernardo Silva in midfield. It is a side that has served Pep well.
May 16, 2026 1:17 pm
Man City injury news today – will Rodri play?
Tony Mogan
The Spain international has missed his side’s last five games due to a groin problem with his last appearance coming in the Premier League victory over Arsenal in April.
Manchester City v Arsenal - Premier League
(Picture: Getty)
The 29-year-old, who missed more tan seven months of action with ACL injury in 2024, has had various fitness issues this season, missing 15 games earlier in the campaign with a hamstring issue.
He has been limited to just 23 starting appearances in all competitons this season with Pep Guardiola revealing his doubts over his availability earlier this week.
May 16, 2026 1:14 pm
FA Cup final live stream and TV channel
Tony Mogan
Of course we would love you to stick it out with us for the afternoon.
But you can watch the match live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. You can also tune in on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.
May 16, 2026 1:13 pm
FA Cup final kick-off time
Tony Mogan
It will be a very traditional 3pm kick-off at Wembley this afternoon.
May 16, 2026 1:11 pm
Good afternoon!
Tony Mogan
Nothing quite beats FA Cup final day. The oldest competition in world football reaches its conclusion this afternoon and after defeat at this stage in the last two seasons, Manchester City are seeking a domestic double at Wembley today.
Chelsea stand in their way. A woeful season has seen the Blues move backwards – ending it with a trophy might just be papering over the cracks but given the chaos of the last few months, they might just well take that.
Stick with us, all your team news and build-up is on the way.
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