For the first time in FA Cup history, Manchester City and Chelsea FC will clash in the final, with both sides hoping to overcome unwanted records at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The city heads into the encounter carrying the disappointment of losing their last two FA Cup finals—first to Manchester United and then to Crystal Palace FC.
City Manager Pep Guardiola will be eager to avoid a third straight defeat in the competition’s showpiece event.
Chelsea, meanwhile, has endured their own frustrations at Wembley. The Blues reached the FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2018, losing to Arsenal FC before bouncing back a year later with a victory over Manchester United.
Since that triumph, however, Chelsea have suffered six consecutive defeats in finals played at Wembley.
Manchester City go into the match as favorites following a strong run of form as they continue their pursuit of a domestic treble. Guardiola’s men have already beaten Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup and remain two points behind the Gunners in the Premier League title race with two matches left to play.
Victory in the FA Cup final would also move City closer to completing a domestic double before the final week of the season.
Despite City’s status as favorites, Chelsea cannot be ruled out. The London side has often thrived when entering major games as underdogs.
Winning the FA Cup against City would also provide a positive ending to what has otherwise been a disappointing campaign for Chelsea.
