Even if it wouldn’t look like one of the most remarkable upsets in the history of soccer’s oldest knockout competition, Chelsea’s victory against Manchester City in Saturday’s final would definitely upset the odds.
Consider how both teams performed before the extravaganza at Wembley. City is still in the running for a domestic triple crown after winning the English League Cup. With two games left, it is now in second position in the Premier League, two points behind Arsenal, having dropped only one domestic game since the end of November.
Even though his current class doesn’t feel as good as his best during his tenure at City, Pep Guardiola’s club is undoubtedly in form. Despite making it to their record fourth straight FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola maintains that Manchester City is still “far away” from capturing a domestic treble.
After winning the Carabao Cup in March, Guardiola’s squad now has six away games remaining, five in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup, to complete a sweep of English football’s major championships.
Pep Guardiola insists Man City ‘far away’ from domestic treble
This weekend’s FA Cup final pits Chelsea against Manchester City. In their semi-final matchup with Southampton, Man City overcame a scare after falling behind in the 79th minute. But Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez’s late goals sealed the victory.
As a result, with the Carabao Cup already won and the Premier League championship battle poised to go to the wire, City is still on track to win another domestic treble under Pep Guardiola.
Rodri, who has missed the past five games across all competitions due to a groin problem, is the sole worry for Man City ahead of the cup final. Guardiola has not yet been able to confirm the midfield player’s availability, although he has resumed training.
After being rested for the victory over Crystal Palace, Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku are all anticipated to rejoin the starting lineup, with James Trafford expected to start in goal.
Man City has found their scoring touch ahead of the Wembley showpiece, so it’s difficult to see them losing the trophy even though they dropped points to Everton in what could prove costly in the Premier League title race.
