The 2025-26 FA Cup final is between two Wembley regulars in Chelsea and Manchester City.
One of these teams has featured in every single final since 2015-16, which is quite an amazing stat.
City lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in last season’s showpiece, while Chelsea were beaten in three consecutive finals between 2019-20 and 2021-22.
So, can the Blues lift the trophy for the first time since 2017-18? Or will City add to their EFL Cup victory secured back in March?
We will soon find out the answer to those questions, but first here is our full betting preview, complete with tips and the latest FA Cup odds.
And if you are new around here, make sure to activate NetBet Sport’s brilliant Welcome Offer before kick-off at Wembley on Saturday. Place a qualifying £10 bet to receive £20 in Free Bets.
Where can I watch Chelsea vs Manchester City in the UK?
Chelsea vs Manchester City will be broadcast live on BBC One, TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm UK time.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Preview
Recent results
Chelsea ended a run of six straight Premier League defeats last weekend, with Calum McFarlane’s men coming from behind to draw 1-1 at Liverpool. The Blues beat Leeds 1-0 at Wembley to reach this stage of the FA Cup.
City kept themselves firmly in the title race with a 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, which followed the 3-0 success over Brentford at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s side came from 1-0 down to beat Southampton 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Head-to-head record
Amazingly, Chelsea are on a 13-match winless streak vs City across all competitions. That run includes two FA Cup ties, which the Citizens won 4-0 and 1-0.
The Premier League fixtures this season saw the Blues draw 1-1 at the Etihad, before Guardiola’s men strutted to a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge just last month.
Team news
Estevao, Jesse Derry and Jamie Gittens are longer-term absentees for Chelsea, while Robert Sanchez, Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho remain injury doubts.
Josko Gvardiol returned to the starting XI against Palace in a huge boost for City. As such, Rodri is the only fitness concern for Guardiola, the midfielder having not featured at all since the 2-1 win over Arsenal.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Chelsea are significant underdogs ahead of kick-off here, priced at 4.40 to claim the win. A City victory is at odds of 1.67, while the draw after 90 minutes is 3.92.
Chelsea vs Manchester City Betting Tips
Manchester City to score over 1.5 goals @ 1.65
City have found the scoring touch of late. Guardiola’s men netted three times in each of the last three top-flight games, and with Chelsea’s back-line seemingly immune to keeping clean sheets, we fancy the Citizens to score at least twice at Wembley. It is a feat they achieved on three of the last four visits to the stadium following the 2-1 semi-final success vs Southampton, and 2-0 triumph over Arsenal in the EFL Cup final.
Player to score or assist – Jeremy Doku @ 2.20
Doku has been in stellar form of late, and was afforded a well-deserved rest in the victory over Palace. Prior to his short cameo vs the Eagles, the Belgian winger had tallied five goal contributions in as many Premier League appearances, including a strike in the aforementioned win at Stamford Bridge. He also has experience of delivering at Wembley, having scored vs Southampton in the semis after also netting City’s goal during the 2024 final defeat to Man Utd. So this looks well worth a punt at a fairly attractive price.
Manchester City score in the second half – Yes @ 1.42
The pressure of a cup final usually results in the first half being more of a tense affair. But expect things to open up in the second 45 minutes, which is where City normally do the bulk of their damage. Both goals vs Arsenal in the EFL Cup final came in the second half, while all three strikes at Stamford Bridge last month were scored after the interval.
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