One major battle could tilt today’s FA Cup final the way of Manchester City or Chelsea | OneFootball

Manchester City and Chelsea are both blessed with squads that are packed with quality. There are a host of players on either side who loom as potential match-winners in today’s FA Cup final. However, there is one particular battle that does seem to loom as the most critical one heading into today’s match. That is in midfield. City and Chelsea both have midfielders who are capable of dictating an entire match, and whichever midfield can control today’s FA Cup final may well decide who lifts the FA Cup at Wembley this afternoon.

The Chelsea midfield has quality and bite.

Although Chelsea have been inconsistent throughout this season, sacking two managers in the process, their squad is packed with quality. Although, the Chelsea squad is young which could be a part of their problem. However, one area where they do have quality and experience is in midfield.

In Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Calum McFarlane’s side has two midfielders who could control today’s FA Cup final. Enzo Fernandez is a superb player who is feisty in a challenge, and he has the attributes to dictate the tempo of a match from midfield. Moises Caicedo, when in full flight, is a superb midfield destroyer. Caicedo is exceptional in duels, and he can tilt a midfield battle in his team’s favor. That pair does loom as Chelsea’s key players in today’s FA Cup final.

Of course, Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have support. Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos adds punch and quality to Chelsea’s midfield. Reece James, if he starts at Wembley, can also drop into midfield from right-back to further strengthen Chelsea’s engine room. Marc Cucurella can also add another element to Chelsea’s midfield. All told, Chelsea are strong in midfield and they have the players capable of winning the midfield battle today.

How Manchester City line up in midfield could be crucial to today’s result.

For Manchester City, who starts in midfield today will be of great interest. Especially if Rodri cannot play at Wembley. Rodri’s availability for today’s match isn’t immediately clear at this stage. Assuming that Rodri cannot play today, how City line up in midfield isn’t easy to predict. That could work in Manchester City’s favour.

Bernardo Silva seems to be a shoo-in to start today against Chelsea. Who joins him in Manchester City’s midfield is one selection puzzle for Pep Guardiola to solve. Rico seems to have fallen out of favor of late. It would be a surprise if the Spanish midfielder were to start at Wembley. Josko Gvardiol’s successful return from injury could see him start at left-back and Rico O’Reilly move into midfield. O’Reilly’s strength and athleticism could be vital in countering Chelsea’s midfield weapons. Phil Foden could also drop into midfield to provide support for Bernardo Silva. He has done this in Manchester City’s past two matches. Rayan Cherki is another option for Pep Guardiola, given his penchant to drop deep to receive possession. If Rodri cannot play against Chelsea, Pep Guardiola does have a host of versatile and quality midfield options to utilize.

Final thoughts.

The midfield battle and which team wins it looms as the decisive factor in today’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea. Both teams have weapons in midfield, and how that battle unfolds will be fascinating to watch. The team that controls the engine room is likely to lift the FA Cup today.