Chelsea and Manchester City will battle for FA Cup glory at Wembley on May 16, 2026, in what promises to be one of the biggest fixtures of the English football season. Pep Guardiola’s side arrive as clear favorites after another dominant campaign, while Chelsea hope to upset the odds and lift their first FA Cup trophy since 2018.
According to BC.Game, Manchester City are strongly backed to complete the job in regular time and continue their recent dominance over the Blues. Chelsea, however, have already shown they can thrive as underdogs in major finals, making this showdown far from predictable.
Chelsea vs Man City 1X2 Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chelsea FC | 4.6 |
| Draw | 4.0 |
| Manchester City | 1.68 |
BC.Game clearly positions Manchester City as favorites after taking four points from Chelsea across their two Premier League meetings this season. Guardiola’s men have also rediscovered their scoring form at the perfect moment heading into the Wembley showpiece.
To Lift the Trophy Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chelsea FC | 3.15 |
| Manchester City | 1.34 |
Manchester City are aiming to win their eighth FA Cup title and become the first team ever to appear in four consecutive FA Cup finals. Chelsea, meanwhile, are chasing a ninth triumph in their 17th appearance in the competition’s final.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea head into the final with several injury concerns. Brazilian wonderkid Estevao has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury against Manchester United.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez remains doubtful following a serious collision suffered earlier this month, although Chelsea’s medical staff will make a late assessment before kickoff.
There is better news for Chelsea supporters elsewhere. Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto are expected to return after missing recent matches with minor knocks, while captain Reece James has recovered from a hamstring problem and could lead the side out at Wembley.
Manchester City Team News
Manchester City have very few injury issues ahead of the final. Rodri remains the only major doubt after missing the last five matches with a groin injury, though the Spanish midfielder has returned to training.
Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki are all expected to start after being rested in the recent victory over Crystal Palace. Guardiola is also likely to hand James Trafford the gloves for the cup final.
Double Chance Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chelsea FC or Draw | 2.08 |
| Chelsea FC or Manchester City | 1.21 |
| Draw or Manchester City | 1.17 |
The double chance market underlines just how strongly BC.Game rates City’s chances of avoiding defeat inside 90 minutes. Chelsea supporters searching for value may find the “Chelsea or Draw” option attractive considering the pressure attached to major finals.
Total Goals Odds
| Total Goals | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.01 | 10.0 |
| 1.5 | 1.21 | 4.0 |
| 2 | 1.29 | 3.35 |
| 2.5 | 1.66 | 2.12 |
| 3 | 2.1 | 1.68 |
| 3.5 | 2.66 | 1.43 |
| 4.5 | 4.9 | 1.15 |
| 5.5 | 9.6 | 1.03 |
The odds suggest bookmakers expect an entertaining final with goals at both ends. Manchester City’s attacking firepower, combined with Chelsea’s improved performances in recent weeks, makes the over 2.5 goals market particularly appealing at 1.66.
Both Teams to Score Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yes | 1.65 |
| No | 2.1 |
Both teams finding the net is considered more likely than not by BC.Game. Chelsea have shown greater attacking confidence lately, while City remain one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking sides with Haaland leading the line.
Special Markets
| Market | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Sending Off | 4.0 | 1.19 |
| Penalty Awarded | 4.4 | 1.18 |
FA Cup finals are often tense affairs, but BC.Game expects a relatively controlled contest with low probability assigned to both a red card and a penalty.
Chelsea vs Man City Head-to-Head Record
| Result | Total |
|---|---|
| Chelsea wins | 71 |
| Manchester City wins | 69 |
| Draws | 42 |
Historically, the rivalry remains remarkably balanced. However, Manchester City have enjoyed the better recent record, including a convincing 3-0 win over Chelsea earlier this season.
Chelsea vs Man City Prediction
Chelsea deserve credit for improving significantly in recent weeks, especially in high-pressure fixtures. The return of key players like Reece James and Pedro Neto should also provide extra energy and attacking threat.
Still, Manchester City’s experience, squad depth, and hunger after losing consecutive FA Cup finals could prove decisive. Guardiola’s side appear to be peaking at exactly the right time, and with Haaland expected to return fresh, City carry too much attacking quality to ignore.
Prediction: Manchester City to win 2-1.
For bettors looking at the value markets on BC.Game, “Manchester City to win” at 1.68 and “Both Teams to Score – Yes” at 1.65 stand out as two of the strongest selections ahead of kickoff.