FA Cup final: Manchester City v Chelsea predictions

The 145th FA Cup final takes place at Wembley on Saturday, with Manchester City facing Chelsea.

Chelsea have not beaten City in their past 13 meetings, though their last success against Pep Guardiola's side was in the 2021 Champions League final. BBC Sport football expert Chris Sutton noted, "I was at that game and Pep did not get the better of Thomas Tuchel."

Sutton is also making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season against AI, BBC Sport readers, and guests. For this weekend's fixtures, he is joined by Manchester City fans Tom Ogden and Joe Donovan from indie band Blossoms, and Chelsea supporter rapper Songer.

Blossoms' new single 'Joke About Divorce' is out, following their 2024 UK number one album 'Gary'. Songer's latest single is 'Find My Face', and his sixth studio album, 'What If I Say No?', is set for release in July.

Fans can make their own predictions and see how they compare to the popular scorelines used in the league tables. A correct result earns 10 points, while the exact score yields 40 points.

Some Chelsea fans are planning to protest against their owners, BlueCo, at Wembley. Songer, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, expressed his disillusionment: "I've been disillusioned with BlueCo from the very start. It has been like watching a circus and it has been infuriating for the fans to be dragged into it. Our club should not be guinea pigs for their pet project."

He added that while fans want to win the FA Cup, they fear it would validate the owners' approach. "It's been a terrible season. Without the form we were in for the first third of the campaign, we would be giving Spurs a run for their money in the relegation battle."

Chelsea also faces the task of appointing a new permanent manager for next season, with Calum McFarlane having been interim head coach since Liam Rosenior's sacking in late April. Songer mentioned Cesc Fabregas and Antonio Conte as desired candidates but acknowledged they are unlikely. He would consider Xabi Alonso but believes Andoni Iraola is the most probable appointment.

Managerial speculation also surrounds Manchester City, with suggestions Pep Guardiola might leave this summer. Tom Ogden commented, "You just have to enjoy the years we've had with an amazing manager like that, and it has to end at some point." Joe Donovan added, "Everything goes in cycles. You can't focus on him leaving, you have to focus more on the amazing time we've had. The past 10 years have been unbelievable."

Guardiola could win another trophy on Saturday, adding to the Carabao Cup won in March, and City remains in the Premier League title race. Joe stated, "Winning anything is a good season. Especially when you consider this is a new team." Tom highlighted the difficulty of rebuilding and the team's positive position in the title race.

Chris Sutton, Songer, Tom Ogden, and Joe Donovan were speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

AI predictions were generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat.

**Aston Villa v Liverpool** Villa Park, 20:00 Aston Villa have the Europa League final against Freiburg on Wednesday. Unai Emery's team selection will be key, especially after making seven changes against Tottenham previously. Liverpool are also not guaranteed a top-five finish. A draw seems likely, but predictions are difficult at this stage of the season.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1 Songer's prediction: 2-1 Tom's prediction: 1-0 Joe's prediction: 0-1 AI's prediction: 1-2

**FA Cup final: Manchester City v Chelsea** Wembley, 15:00 Manchester City, 2nd in the Premier League, face Chelsea, 9th. City rested players in midweek, with Erling Haaland expected to return. Chelsea have been inconsistent. Sutton predicts a heavy City win, while Songer backs Chelsea despite their struggles, expecting a tight match. Blossoms' members predict comfortable City wins.

Sutton's prediction: 0-5 Songer's prediction: 2-1 Tom's prediction: 0-3 Joe's prediction: 0-3 AI's prediction: 1-2

**Crystal Palace v Brentford** Gtech Community Stadium, 15:00 Crystal Palace are prioritizing the Europa Conference League, potentially impacting their league line-up. Brentford are focused on securing a European spot. The article backs Brentford to win.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0 Songer's prediction: 2-0 Tom's prediction: 3-1 Joe's prediction: 0-1 AI's prediction: 2-1

**Leeds v Brighton** Elland Road, 15:00 Leeds have improved since their November defeat by Brighton. This match is harder to call. Brighton are in good form and chasing European spots, while Leeds are also playing well and were unlucky against Tottenham. Sutton and Songer predict a draw, while Tom and Joe back Leeds.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1 Songer's prediction: 1-1 Tom's prediction: 2-1 Joe's prediction: 2-0 AI's prediction: 2-1

**Newcastle v West Ham** St James' Park, 17:30 West Ham need a win to boost their survival hopes. Newcastle, despite inconsistent form, are expected not to lose at home. Sutton predicts a draw, leaning towards a Newcastle win. Songer hopes for a West Ham win, while Tom and Joe also back West Ham.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1 Songer's prediction: 1-2 Tom's prediction: 0-1 Joe's prediction: 1-2 AI's prediction: 2-1

**Arsenal v Burnley** Emirates Stadium, 20:00 Arsenal are expected to secure the title against Burnley with a comfortable win. Despite Burnley's fight, Arsenal's quality should prevail.

Sutton's prediction: 3-0 Songer's prediction: 3-0 Tom's prediction: 0-1 Joe's prediction: 0-3 AI's prediction: 3-0

**Predictions Race Update** Chris Sutton had a strong week, winning twice and leading the overall table with two rounds remaining. AI and BBC readers can still catch him. Sutton has nine outright weekly wins.