Man City XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup final

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Evening Standard

·14 de maio de 2026

Man City XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup final

Key midfielder still struggling with injury ahead with silverware on the line

The Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has been in and out of the side this season thanks to a rash of injuries, and is once again sidelined with a groin injury.

He was pictured in training ahead of City’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday but did not make the squad, and Pep Guardiola remains unsure whether he will be fit to feature at Wembley.

“I don’t know. I don’t know,” the Man City boss told reporters. “We’ll see in the next days.”

Should he fail to pass muster, Bernardo Silva and Nico Gonzalez can deputise in the holding midfield roles.

Vídeos OneFootball

There was some good news in the Crystal Palace match as Josko Gvardiol made a first appearance since January having recovered from a broken leg, but may not be trusted again in such an important match. Nico O’Reilly should regain his place.

Back in the fold: Josko Gvardiol

Getty

That should be the only change in defence, though Ruben Dias could be in with a chance of starting.

Guardiola rotated heavily against Palace, leaving Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki out of the starting lineup.

Doku was introduced off the bench on the hour, with Cherki coming on late, but Haaland played no part at all.

All three will be fresh for the weekend and can be expected to come back into the starting lineup as Guardiola is sure to name his strongest attack possible against Chelsea’s less-than-watertight defence.

Gianluigi Donnarumma is in fine form, but James Trafford has been preferred in cup competitions this season and can expect to start after impressing in the last two rounds and producing a formidable performance in the Carabao Cup final.

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