FA Cup final preview: Team news, talking points and key stats

As shown in the graphic below, either Chelsea or City have been involved in each of the last nine FA Cup finals. However, they have had limited success with City winning twice and Chelsea just once.

![The graphic lists the last nine FA Cup finals and their results:

Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea — 2016–17 Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United — 2017–18 Manchester City 6–0 Watford — 2018–19 Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea — 2019–20 Leicester City 1–0 Chelsea — 2020–21 Liverpool 0–0 Chelsea (Liverpool won 6–5 on penalties) — 2021–22 Manchester City 2–1 Manchester United — 2022–23 Manchester United 2–1 Manchester City — 2023–24 Crystal Palace 1–0 Manchester City — 2024–25](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/984FetcGt4prtfjevJmTaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyMDA7Y2Y9d2VicA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/bbc_us_articles_995/75dca042679417d0a7b4e758f3e1b190)

[BBC]

Although it would be foolish to rule out Chelsea, there is no doubt City are the big favourites.

Guardiola's side may come up just short in the Premier League title race – they are two points behind Arsenal with two games to play – but a domestic cup double is a rare feat; this would only be the sixth time this has ever happened.

City will also be keen to right the wrongs of the last two seasons, in which they've lost two FA Cup finals in timid fashion.

A year ago, they were beaten by Crystal Palace after Eberechi Eze's goal and Omar Marmoush's saved penalty. In 2024, local rivals Manchester United stunned Guardiola's side.

Guardiola, who has been linked with an end-of-season exit for much of the campaign, will not want to sign off his time at City with just a fourth major final loss with the club. After a raft of changes to the team for Wednesday's clash with Palace in the Premier League, a win under the Wembley arch now looks to be the clear priority.

However, Guardiola has confirmed that Rodri remains a doubt for the game. He has not played since the win over Arsenal on April 19.