Man City and Chelsea’s routes to FA Cup final

Chelsea and Man City battle for FA Cup
Both teams have won big in competition
Struggles also experienced

Both Manchester City and Chelsea have endured hardships in the FA Cup this season, but they have made it to the ultimate stage of the competition.

It is time to take a look at how both teams have managed to make it this far, and how their results up to this point could have an effect on today’s final.

Man City have won comfortably for the most part

The Citizens got their FA Cup campaign off to the best possible start with a 10-1 victory over Exeter City.

Eight different Man City players got on the scoresheet that day, including academy starlets Max Alleyne and Ryan McAidoo.

This was followed up with a more modest 2-0 win against Salford City, before Omar Marmoush inspired a 3-1 triumph at St James’ Park.

City were handed what could have been considered an even tougher tie in the quarter-finals. However, they thumped Liverpool 4-0, with Erling Haaland bagging a hat-trick.

City struggled against Southampton

Following a 1-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League, Man City took on Southampton at Wembley with a much changed starting lineup.

Perhaps there were too many switches, as City looked static and short on inspiration. In fact, the Saints almost snatched a victory after taking the lead towards the end.

Despite this, Jeremy Doku stepped up and rescued his team, as he has done so often in recent weeks.

Then Nico Gonzalez scored a stunning strike from distance, completing a comeback which should never really have been required in the first place.

It's almost time for the FA Cup final! ⏳ pic.twitter.com/MXzRs8hlcP
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 15, 2026

Chelsea have had a couple of close calls

City’s opponents were ruthless in their opening two FA Cup matches, thrashing Charlton Athletic and Hull City 5-1 and 4-0 respectively.

Still, the fifth round saw them go to extra time against Championship outfit Wrexham, thanks to a stoppage time goal scored by Callum Doyle.

George Dobson was sent off soon afterwards, which helped the Blues to add a couple more goals and advance to the quarter-finals.

They battered Port Vale 7-0 in the next round, but only scored once in a narrow semi-final victory over Leeds United.

Man City have had the stronger campaign

Neither side have struggled against the teams lower down in the Football League pyramid, but both have experienced one shaky display against a Championship club.

However on the whole, City have been superior in the competition. Beating Liverpool by such a significant margin is very impressive, and the win away at Newcastle was another solid result.

Factoring in Premier League performances as well, the Citizens really ought to be taking the trophy home after today’s game.

It will all be decided soon enough, with kick off at 15:00 BST.