Man City Starting XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester City vs Chelsea: Rodri Fitness Doubt Shapes FA Cup Final Plans

Rodri Race Leaves Guardiola Waiting

Manchester City arrive at Wembley with trophy within reach, but Pep Guardiola’s plans for Chelsea remain shaped by uncertainty over Rodri. The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has endured a stop-start season, and a groin issue has left his FA Cup final involvement in doubt.

Rodri trained before Manchester City’s 3-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace, yet his absence from the matchday squad told its own story. Asked on Friday whether his midfield leader would be available against Chelsea, Guardiola offered only a clipped reply.

“We’ll see,” Guardiola responded curtly to reporters on Friday when asked about Rodri’s availability.

photo IMAGO

For Manchester City, that uncertainty matters. Rodri gives Guardiola’s side control, tempo and defensive insurance. Against Chelsea, a team capable of breaking quickly but vulnerable without the ball, his presence would alter the balance.

Midfield Options Could Define Wembley

Should Rodri miss out, Nico Gonzalez could start alongside captain Bernardo Silva in midfield. Guardiola has confirmed Nico is not injured, despite leaving him out completely against Palace, which suggests preservation rather than concern.

Rayan Ait-Nouri’s midweek midfield experiment underlined City’s fixture strain, but Wembley should bring a more orthodox structure. Nico O’Reilly, absent against Palace but seemingly not injured, could return at left-back, unless Guardiola again sees value in his pedigree.

Chelsea will test that central area. Their defence has lacked authority, but their forwards can punish hesitation. Manchester City must find balance between patience and penetration, especially if Rodri is unavailable.

Defensive Returns Give City Choices

There was encouragement in midweek as Josko Gvardiol made his first appearance since January, starting after recovering from a broken leg and lasting almost an hour. A second start in quick succession seems unlikely, though his return strengthens Guardiola’s bench.

Abdukodir Khusanov returned from a knock to partner Marc Guehi against Palace, while Ruben Dias is also pushing after a thigh injury. That gives Manchester City depth, even if Guardiola may resist too much change.

In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s form remains strong, but James Trafford has been Guardiola’s preferred cup goalkeeper. After impressing in the previous two rounds and producing a formidable display against Arsenal, Trafford is expected to start.

Haaland Set for Chelsea Test

Guardiola made six changes against Crystal Palace after the 3-0 win over Brentford, with Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki all held in reserve. Doku played on the hour, Cherki came on late and assisted Savinho’s goal, while Haaland was unused.

That should leave Manchester City’s attack fresh for Chelsea. Haaland’s power, Doku’s running and Cherki’s invention could be decisive against a defence that has too often invited pressure.

Predicted Man City XI (4-2-3-1): Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly; Bernardo, Nico; Doku, Cherki, Semenyo; Haaland

Time and date: 3pm BST on Saturday May 16, 2026

How to watch: BBC and TNT Sports