Chelsea and Manchester City collide in the FA Cup final at Wembley this afternoon.
A miserable Premier League campaign for the Blues is coming to an end with the club looking likely to miss out on Champions League qualification.
But they can salvage silverware in the capital today in what would be a phenomenal personal achievement for interim boss Calum McFarlane.
City are still chasing a domestic treble having already bagged the Carabao Cup in March. The battle for the Premier League title heads into the final two fixtures next week with Arsenal in control of their own destiny.
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An extremely tough trip to Bournemouth awaits for City on Tuesday but lifting the trophy today could give Pep Guardiola the final push they need.
Man City injury news today
The fitness of Rodri is City’s biggest concern for the final run-in.
The Spaniard has not played since the league victory over Arsenal last month, sitting out of the last five games due to a groin problem. Speaking this week, Guardiola was unsure whether he would be ready in time for today.
Nico Gonzalez, who scored the sensational winner against Southampton to send City in the final, is expected to replace him although Tijjani Reijnders has also been back in the first-team picture in recent weeks.
City have no other injury concerns with Ruben Dias also available, having sat on the bench in the last two games against Brentford and Palace
Man City starting XI to face Chelsea – Metro prediction
Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku were left out of the starting XI against Crystal Palace midweek with Phil Foden stepping up to give his manager something to think about when it comes to selecting his starting XI today.
Josko Gvardiol made his long-awaited return from injury midweek but Nico O’Reilly’s form should ensure he keeps his spot at left-back.
James Trafford has been preferred in cup competitions this term, excelling in the Carabao Cup final and will be expected to keep his place ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Chelsea injury news today
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.
Chelsea starting XI to face Man City – Metro prediction
After playing 45 minutes against Nottingham Forest, Levi Colwill played the full 90 against Liverpool in a fine display at the back.
After missing most of the season with an ACL injury, the England international could have a major role to play today.
The availability of captain Reece James will also be a huge boost for the Blues.
Alan Shearer’s FA Cup final prediction
Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer provided Metro with his big match prediction this week.
‘It is really interesting that City have lost the last two finals as favourites,’ Shearer said. ‘I did the co-comms last year for that game when Crystal Palace beat them. Chelsea showed slight improvement last week against Liverpool despite going 1-0 down.
‘I just think because of the mood that City are in, the belief and the confidence, they’ll edge it. I know that City still give you chances, even watching the game against Crystal Palace, they missed two or three really good chances. I think there’ll be a lot of goals in this, but I think Man City will edge it just.’
Prediction – Manchester City win
FA Cup final TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
The FA Cup final kicks off at 3pm today (Saturday 16 May).
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.