Chelsea will need discipline and defensive solidity if they are to find a way past Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
There were encouraging signs in that regard last weekend, as interim head coach Calum McFarlane’s switch to a back three (or five out of possession) yielded a 1-1 draw against Liverpool. The system offered greater protection in wide areas and a more compact defensive structure overall.
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The return of Levi Colwill added balance to the backline, while Reece James made an impact from the bench, boosting the squad options heading into the final.
Long spells of sustained pressure are to be expected against Pep Guardiola’s side, so Chelsea will likely need both patience and concentration without the ball.
The bigger question, though, is where the decisive moment might come from.
Cole Palmer, so often Chelsea’s attacking focal point, is currently enduring a 10-game goal drought. That places added responsibility on others, with Joao Pedro’s movement and Enzo Fernandez’s composure in key moments potentially decisive if Chelsea are to take their chance when it comes.
[BBC]
Manchester City are overwhelming favourites heading into the showdown against Chelsea and on the back of a domestic 20-game unbeaten run.
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Guardiola takes his side to Wembley in a cup semi-final or final for the 24th time to face a Chelsea side out of form and led by inexperienced interim boss Calum McFarlane.
City are aiming for a treble of trophies and know they can collect the second cup of the campaign after lifting the Carabao Cup earlier this season – that winning mentality and big-game experience may prove pivotal.
However, their challenge may be derailed by missing the experience and guile of Rodri. The Spaniard is set to travel to London but it is not yet clear whether he has recovered from a groin injury – the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner would be a huge miss in midfield.
City are into a record fourth consecutive final but the wounds of the past two are still raw, beaten by bitter rivals Manchester United two years ago and stunned by Crystal Palace last May.
Striker Erling Haaland has never scored at Wembley. Will that barren streak continue for the Norwegian?
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