Chelsea v Man City LIVE: FA Cup final build-up and team news as Blues make late call on trio | OneFootball

Why the FA Cup final no one wanted says so much about the modern game

In another era, Calum McFarlane’s appearance at Wembley would be viewed as a vintage piece of FA Cup lore. Here he is on English football’s national day, with the chance to be the first English manager to win the competition since Harry Redknapp in 2008, and in just his sixth game as a coach.

Donning the suit for the final was an image that so many managers long dreamed of. Brian Clough famously only got to do it two years from retirement, and never won the FA Cup. A novice like McFarlane now stands 90 minutes from glory, with the challenge of having to out-coach a great like Pep Guardiola only adding to the story.

Miguel Delaney16 May 2026 10:00

Guardiola on City's Wembley gameplan

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of today’s FA Cup final and revealed what message he had given his players for the game.

“The message is how we have to move, run, play against Chelsea to beat them,” Guardiola said.

“This is the message. The message is [this is the] FA Cup final, at Wembley, with two prestigious clubs, with our fans that make an effort, an incredible effort to come down to London [and it is] not cheap.

“And go to support us and try to perform as best as possible to win. And always there is a game plan you have to do.”

Speculation persists over Pep Guardiola’s future (Martin Rickett/PA). (PA Wire)

Mike Jones16 May 2026 09:48

'I'm sure I'll feel the emotions'

Managing a team in the FA Cup final is not something that comes around too often and for Calum McFarlane he is unsure how he’ll feel today.

The interim Chelsea boss said: “I can’t tell you exactly how I’m going to feel on the day.

“I’ll try to make it as normal as possible. I’ve taken a few games now at this level. Not a game of this magnitude.

“I’ll try and stay as level as possible. The players, the process, the way we work will be the same. I’m sure I’ll feel a lot of emotions on that day.”

Calum McFarlane’s in-laws will be cheering him on as Chelsea face Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Mike Jones16 May 2026 09:24

Calum McFarlane has chance to impress with Chelsea FA Cup final win

Chelsea interim head coach Calum McFarlane will be aiming to impress his in-laws by lifting the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.

The family of the stand-in boss’s partner are long-standing Blues season ticket holders and will be there to see his team take on Manchester City.

“My girlfriend’s family are massive Chelsea fans,” said McFarlane. “Her dad and uncles have been season ticket holders for 50 years. She’s a massive Chelsea fan.

“They’re very proud. It means a lot to all Chelsea fans. It’s a massive game. I hope we can put in a performance for all the fans.”