Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane has named his starting eleven for the FA Cup final clash with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. Robert Sanchez returns in goal after recovering from a nasty head injury, and skipper Reece James leads the side in what is the Blues’ last realistic chance of European football this season.
McFarlane has named a strong defence including what could be a back-five of Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, and Marc Cucurella. Moises Caicedo will command the midfield along with the returning Reece James and Enzo Fernandez. Up front, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro will have to slice through Pep Guardiola’s solid defence and end Chelsea’s long wait for silverware at the famous London ground.
Speaking ahead of the showpiece encounter, the interim boss lavished praise on his returning captain ahead of kickoff:
“Reece is a massive player for this team and England. One of the most complete footballers in world football. I’m really pleased Reece came through that, really pleased with the week he’s put in in preparation for Manchester City.”
There are plenty of game-changers on McFarlane’s bench in the shape of Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto and summer signing Liam Delap. The Blues sit ninth in the Premier League and see this Wembley final as their salvation for European qualification after a turbulent campaign which has already seen two managerial exits.
Guardiola Names XI to Face Chelsea
Pep Guardiola has handed Rodri a surprise start in Manchester City’s FA Cup final XI, despite fitness worries surrounding the Ballon d’Or winner this week. James Trafford remains between the sticks for the Citizens ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma, continuing his impressive run in cup competitions for the Citizens during this season.
Outgoing captain Bernardo Silva and the returned Spaniard join the defensive quartet of Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly in midfield. Erling Haaland will spearhead Manchester City’s attack as they try to end his Wembley curse, having never found the net in eight previous appearances at the iconic stadium.
The Norwegian will have a promising front three of Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush and Jeremy Doku, all eager to add to City’s domestic cup double after their previous Carabao Cup win. Guardiola’s men are overwhelming favourites against a Chelsea side they have already dismantled 3-0 at Stamford Bridge this season, with firepower from the bench in Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden and Savinho.