The weather forecast today weather is distinctly average for London – largely grey and overcast with a high of 14 degrees around kick-off time at 3pm but, mercifully, with no rain anticipated.
That will be manna from heaven for the players given the physical and mental toll playing in a game of this magnitude on the Wembley pitch has on the body and mind.
Though I made my way to the stadium a good four hours out from kick-off there were already streams of supporters from both City and Chelsea milling around the stadium getting ready for the bog day ahead.
And despite the so-so conditions it was heartening to see a healthy contingent of Blues bedecked in t shirts and shorts.
Further proof positive of what we knew along – that they breed ‘em tough up North!