Man City vs Chelsea – LIVE!
It is still all to play for in the first FA Cup semi-final between Man City face Chelsea at Wembley this evening. Pep Guardiola’s side won this competition a year ago but have work to do to set up the chance to defend their crown, having produced a tired display in a goalless first-half performance.
City are attempting to put the disappointment of a midweek Champions League exit behind them, but there has been little to excite their supporters in an unusually sloppy performance. Erling Haaland misses out with a muscle injury in a significant blow for the favourites, but Kevin De Bruyne is fit to start despite asking to come off against Real.
Chelsea will take confident from their two matches against City so far this season, which both ended level. Cole Palmer once again goes up against his former club and he is in sensational form, with 11 goals in his last six appearances. The Blues were beaten on their last visit to Wembley, in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, but have largely been impressive against the big teams this season. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog, featuring expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.
Man City vs Chelsea latest news
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GOAL! Silva gives City late lead
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How to watch: BBC One
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Man City team news: Haaland misses out
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Chelsea team news: Silva keeps place
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:04 , Matt Verri
88 mins: City change, as Bobb comes on for Alvarez.
Foden, meanwhile, is getting absolutely screamed at by Guardiola, after giving the ball away.
Chelsea turn to their bench again. Chilwell and Sterling on for Cucurella and Fernandez.
Man City 1-0 Chelsea
19:02 , Matt Verri
86 mins: Chelsea still have time to respond, just about.
De Bruyne brings down Fernandez with a really poor challenge, and the Chelsea man then does kick out. De Bruyne furious – both booked.
GOAL! Man City 1-0 Chelsea | Bernardo Silva 84′
18:59 , Matt Verri
CITY LEAD!
All those missed chances for Chelsea do prove costly.
Doku slides the pass through to De Bruyne, who cuts it back from the byline.
Comes to Silva, his shot takes a deflection but flies in!
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:58 , Matt Verri
82 mins: Patient from City on the edge of the Chelsea area, trying to find the perfect pass.
Silva, Akanji, Alvarez… miles over the bar.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
18:57 , Matt Verri
Mykhailo Mudryk is now playing left wing after coming on for Noni Madueke, moving Conor Gallagher to the No10 position and Palmer back to the right wing.
Axel Disasi is on for Gusto at right-back.
Penny for Raheem Sterling’s thoughts as he is snubbed…
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:54 , Matt Verri
79 mins: Ortega will continue for now.
Gallagher takes the corner, cleared and Gusto swings it back in. Palmer volleys wide, offside flag up anyway.
Two Chelsea changes. Disasi and Mudryk on, Gusto and Madueke make way.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:53 , Matt Verri
77 mins: Not a great pass from Madueke, but Gusto slides in and makes something of it, as the ball flicks off Akanji and behind for a corner.
That’s been delayed – Ortega has suddenly gone down in goal for City.
Ederson isn’t a particularly bad option off the bench if required.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:49 , Matt Verri
74 mins: Gusto up and fine to continue.
Chelsea straight on the attack, Jackson challenged just outside the area. Ball falls for Madueke, his effort is charged down.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:47 , Matt Verri
72 mins: Gusto has gone down, holding the back of his left knee.
On come the physios, this would be a real blow for Chelsea.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:46 , Matt Verri
70 mins: Doku making things happen, skipping away from Gusto in the box. Could have gone down, instead forces Petrovic into a save at his near post.
De Bruyne then slices an effort wide. Chances at both ends.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:44 , Matt Verri
68 mins: Chelsea have been so, so poor in the final third. Should have scored four or five.
Palmer with a lovely reverse pass through to Caicedo. Jackson waiting for it to be squared, Caicedo instead scoops the ball out of play.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:41 , Matt Verri
65 mins: And that is the end of Grealish’s match.
Doku is on for the next 25 minutes… and beyond, if needed.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:40 , Matt Verri
64 mins: Caicedo catches Grealish as he boots the ball away.
City man is not happy at all, as he gets some treatment on his knee. Caicedo bends down to shake his hand – Grealish has no interest.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
18:37 , Matt Verri
Nicolas Jackson wanted to go down there as he didn’t want to shoot it seems.
It was the right call not to give a penalty but the handball one earlier was a closer call… Chelsea were unlucky I thought.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:37 , Matt Verri
61 mins: Jackson on the counter, he’s one-on-one with Walker.
Into the box, goes down as Walker gives him a bit of a shove from behind. Again the Chelsea appeals are waved away.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:36 , Matt Verri
60 mins: Space is opening up in this match.
Grealish driving at the Chelsea defence, hammers a shot at goal. Hits Chalobah and spins away from a corner.
Alvarez with another delivery to the back post, Chalobah there again.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:33 , Matt Verri
57 mins: VAR not interested.
City potentially a bit fortunate. Grealish jumped, arm was away from his body and made contact with the ball.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:31 , Matt Verri
55 mins: Grealish brings down Madueke, free-kick Chelsea.
Palmer’s effort deflects just wide – there are huge appeals for handball.
Took a slight deflection, but for some reason a goal-kick has been given. Hit Grealish on the hand.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:29 , Matt Verri
53 mins: City really are there to be beaten. Not even close to their usual standards.
From nowhere they attack down the left, though, and Grealish picks out Foden. Petrovic makes a good save to deny him.
Will Chelsea regret those misses?
18:28 , Matt Verri
A disastrous few seconds for Jackson.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
18:26 , Matt Verri
Nicolas Jackson misses another one-on-on after a good through ball by Conor Gallagher and then tamely heads from close range from Cole Palmer’s cross.
He could have a hat-trick tonight and it looks like the misses are beginning to get to him.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:25 , Matt Verri
49 mins: Two HUGE chances for Jackson!
First Gallagher plays him clean through, looks to bend it into the far corner for Ortega parries away.
Seconds later, cross comes out and he’s completely free a few yards out. Straight at Ortega.
HAD to score one.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:23 , Matt Verri
47 mins: Rodri loops a strange ball back to Ortega, who can only volley it straight to Madueke under pressure.
Onto his left foot, 25 yards out and it’s a wild effort in the end.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
18:21 , Matt Verri
It would be harsh to label Chelsea “billion pound bottlejobs” again if they don’t win, but someone will after seeing them dominate this match.
Back underway!
18:20 , Matt Verri
Up and running again at Wembley.
Dias is on for Man City, replacing Stones.
First-half stats
18:16 , Matt Verri
City didn’t have a shot on target in that 45 minutes.
Three for Chelsea, even if one of those was an effort from about 45 yards out. Can’t blame Cole Palmer for trying.
Key moment for Chelsea…
18:11 , Matt Verri
Chelsea really should be in front.
Fernandez with the pass, Jackson onside… but he could not provide the finish.
Or anything, really. Strangely indecisive.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
18:05 , Matt Verri
Kevin De Bruyne is one of the greatest Premier League players of all time but he has not shown up today. Who bets he wins it now I said this?
Phil Foden very much looking like City’s main man, even in a poor half for Pep Guardiola’s men.
HT: Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:04 , Matt Verri
And that’s half-time.
Goalless at the break, but plenty of promising signs for Chelsea.
They need to take advantage of this chance, with City already looking incredibly tired.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:02 , Matt Verri
45 mins: That’s been coming. Caicedo has already had a couple of silly challenges and he now drags Grealish to the floor.
Yellow card for the Chelsea midfielder.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:01 , Matt Verri
44 mins: It’s actually Foden to take… maybe it should have been De Bruyne.
Foden with the out-swinger, straight out of play.
Guardiola has plenty to consider as we move towards half-time. City a mile off their usual levels.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
18:00 , Matt Verri
43 mins: Needless foul from Caicedo, swings a foot at Foden from behind and trips him.
Free-kick for City in a dangerous position. De Bruyne standing over it, as the defenders trudge up.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:58 , Matt Verri
40 mins: Fernandes whips a pass out to Madueke, who does superbly to keep it in play.
Back to Gusto, clipped to the back post and Walker calmy chests it back to Ortega.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:54 , Matt Verri
37 mins: It’s all so chaotic in defence for City.
Lovely Chelsea move, Palmer skips away from Rodri superbly and Ortega gets down well to deny him.
Good spell this, for the Blues.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:53 , Matt Verri
35 mins: Gusto can’t pick out Jackson in the middle, but Madueke pounces on the ball in the box. Stones produces a brilliant block.
City look really shaky at the back. Some very tired legs out there after the Champions League defeat, it would appear.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:51 , Matt Verri
34 mins: Silva drifts into the box, onto his left foot and curls an effort high and wide of the far post.
The four City players waiting for it to be squared are not delighted.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
17:48 , Matt Verri
Nicolas Jackson breaks Manchester City’s offside trap, rounds Stefan Ortega and simply chooses not to shoot.
A remarkable moment in the match and what a waste for Chelsea.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:47 , Matt Verri
30 mins: Awful from Jackson – what a huge moment.
Fernandez with the ball over the top and the Chelsea man is clean through.
A big touch round Ortega, opts not to shoot. Slows things down, still doesn’t want to shoot. And then passes it straight to a City player.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
17:46 , Matt Verri
This match definitely looks there for Chelsea. It won’t be easy, but Man City are making plenty of mistakes in possession and allowing breaks.
Even Rodri has been guilty of poor passing.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:45 , Matt Verri
28 mins: Grealish clips a lovely ball to Silva at the back post, turns it across the face of goal and Cucurella flings himself in front to turn the ball away on his own line.
Offside flag up, wouldn’t have counted anyway.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:44 , Matt Verri
27 mins: De Bruyne curls a free-kick into the middle, Ake lurking at the back post and Jackson has to knock the ball behind for a corner.
Alvarez takes, deep again but Cucurella is there to flick a header away. Chelsea have deal well with any set-pieces.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:43 , Matt Verri
26 mins: Pace of the match has slowed right down.
City dominating the ball, as usual, and patiently waiting for their moment. Chelsea relying on their pace in transition, with Madueke looking dangerous when he runs at Ake.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:40 , Matt Verri
23 mins: Chelsea are getting space on the break, but they haven’t made the most of those moments.
Jackson has Fernandez completely free to his left, but the ball bobbles away from the midfielder and the chance goes.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:37 , Matt Verri
20 mins: So sharp from Alvarez, after Grealish plays him in.
Chops onto his right foot, back onto his left foot and then hits a shot into the offside De Bruyne.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:35 , Matt Verri
17 mins: De Bruyne with a bit of a hack from behind on Madueke. Chelsea want a yellow card – not going to get it.
Even start to this semi-final, Chelsea once again looking good against one of the big sides.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
17:34 , Matt Verri
Gallagher is weirdly causing problems on the left wing. He just seems to be pressing everyone from a blindside angle that they’re not used to.
Phil Foden almost had his moment just now, too. He latched onto a Kevin De Bruyne through ball and would have had an easy finish but the pass was slightly overhit.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:31 , Matt Verri
14 mins: Gallagher taking his sweet time walking over to take this corner.
Wasn’t worth the wait, City clear and now they can counter… off the line!
De Bruyne with a sensational pass through to Foden, round Petrovic but the angle is too tight. Dinked across the face of goal, Cucurella heads it away.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:30 , Matt Verri
12 mins: Walker slips, Chelsea shirts are flooding forward on the break.
Gallagher wide to Gusto, who will have to settle for a corner as Grealish tracks back and slides in.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:28 , Matt Verri
11 mins: City ‘s turn to win a corner, whipped to the back post and Rodri’s header loops up for Petrovic to comfortably claim.
Palmer certainly isn’t lacking for confidence – tries his luck from about 45 yards out! Ortega slightly off his line, but the shot is straight him.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:26 , Matt Verri
9 mins: Good direct running from Madueke wins Chelsea the first corner of the match. Gallagher to take.
Towards Silva, but he’s crowded out and City boot the ball clear.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
17:25 , Matt Verri
Chelsea look good in attack but Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella have both made their mistakes.
Still, Mauricio Pochettino can be happy with this start.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:24 , Matt Verri
7 mins: Chelsea look to swiftly counter, as Jackson turns and drives into space.
Ake slides in, did he get enough of the ball? Referee thinks so, even if Jackson doesn’t.
Chelsea win it back, Palmer slides in Jackson and it’s a tame effort straight at Ortega.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:23 , Matt Verri
5 mins: Palmer with a loose pass, before Caicedo shoves Grealish to the floor. Man City man only too happy to topple over.
Chelsea happy enough to let the City centre-backs have the ball, not pressing up high.
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
17:20 , Matt Verri
Cole Palmer is playing false 9 at times but switching positions with Nicolas Jackson.
Conor Gallagher is left-wing without the ball again with Noni Madueke on the right.
This didn’t work well last time out away at Sheffield United.
Man City 0-0 Chelsea
17:19 , Matt Verri
2 mins: Chelsea nearly offer up a gift.
Pass from Cucurella is terrible, Silva has to slide in and knock it away, just as Alvarez thought it was clean through in the area.
Early scare.
KICK-OFF!
17:16 , Matt Verri
We’re up and running at Wembley!
17:15 , Matt Verri
Handshakes done, coin toss done… we’re ready to get up and running.
Man City won’t be at Wembley on June 1 for the Champions League final, but they will be desperate to return on May 25 to defend their FA Cup crown.
Here we go…
17:09 , Matt Verri
Teams are in the tunnel at Wembley, kick-off just a few minutes away.
Sun is shining down on Wembley – perfect conditions!
James watching on
17:05 , Matt Verri
Chelsea captain Reece James is in attendance at Wembley.
James is pushing to play again soon after undergoing surgery in Finland back in December in a bid to finally rid him of his constant hamstring issues.
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino has so far been unable to reintroduce the 24-year-old right-back into training sessions despite initially expecting him back in three or four months.
Surgeon Dr. Lasse Lempainen, who operated on James, said in an interview with The Telegraph at the time that the player would be back by April and ready to go to Euro 2024 with England.
However, Pochettino continues to say that he doesn’t know exactly when James will recover, although he “hopes” he will play again for Chelsea this season.
In a cryptic but positive post on Instagram, James said this week: “I’ve been gone a while, but I’m doing well, really well. The journey has been long and tough, but nothing I couldn’t handle.
“I’m in a good place. The comeback is on. [I’m] more hungry than ever; stay well in the meantime and see you soon.”
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
16:58 , Matt Verri
All eyes on the front three if Chelsea are awarded a penalty…
Update on Haaland
16:53 , Matt Verri
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of kick-off, Pep Guardiola has provided an update on Erling Haaland, who is not in the squad at Wembley.
He says: “He’s injured. I don’t think it’s much but he’s not able for today.”
On whether he will be back for City’s next match, Guardiola added: “I don’t know.”
Guardiola explains Palmer decision
16:45 , Matt Verri
Pep Guardiola revealed Cole Palmer asked to leave Manchester City for two years before he eventually made the move to Chelsea last summer.
Fair to say it’s been a switch that has worked out for the 21-year-old.
“In pre-season I said stay because Riyad [Mahrez] has gone and he said ‘no, I want to leave’,” said Guardiola.
“He was asking for two seasons to leave. I said ‘no, stay’. What could we do?”
“I said many times, I didn’t give him the minutes that he maybe deserved and wanted, the minutes he now has at Chelsea.
“I understand that completely. I am happy for him because he is a lovely guy. He is playing good and is an incredible threat.”
Not long now!
16:39 , Matt Verri
Just over 30 minutes to go until kick-off at Wembley.
The Chelsea players were out earlier for a quick look at the pitch – all eyes, of course, on Cole Palmer.
Gusto hails ‘special’ Palmer
16:34 , Matt Verri
Malo Gusto says he would rather have “special” Cole Palmer than Golden Boot rival Erling Haaland at Chelsea.
Palmer on Monday scored a sensational four goals, including a 29-minute ‘perfect’ hat-trick, in the 6-0 win over Everton to take him level with the Manchester City star on 20 league goals for the season at the top of the scoring charts. Palmer also netted a hat-trick against Manchester United earlier in April.
When asked whether he would rather play with Haaland or Palmer, Gusto said: “Cole, for sure.”
“We just have to help Palmer become the top scorer. He is special, and we are very happy to have this type of player on our team.”
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
16:26 , Matt Verri
Mauricio Pochettino drafts Enzo Fernandez back into his starting XI, despite ongoing concerns about his fitness.
Mykhailo Mudryk drops to the bench as Noni Madueke gets the nod in attack ahead of the Ukrainian and Raheem Sterling.
Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva keep their place in defence, even though Axel Disasi is fit and available again.
No Haaland!
16:23 , Matt Verri
Confirmation that Erling Haaland is not involved this evening – huge blow for Man City.
Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones are fit to start, while Stefan Ortega Moreno once again gets the nod in a cup competiton.
Thiago Silva keeps his place for Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez returns in midfield, with Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling among those on the bench.
Chelsea team news
16:18 , Matt Verri
Starting XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher, Madueke, Palmer, Jackson.
Subs: Bettinelli, Badiashile, Disasi, Gilchrist, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Sterling, Washington.
Man City team news
16:16 , Matt Verri
Starting XI: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Silva, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez
Subs: Ederson, Dias, Kovacic, Doku, Gomez, Gvardiol, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis
Stand by!
16:11 , Matt Verri
The team news from Wembley coming up in the next few minutes.
Key decisions to be made by both managers, with injury issues to contend with.
All will be revealed very shortly.
Can Pochettino deny old rival?
16:02 , Matt Verri
There is no manager Mauricio Pochettino has faced more frequently in his career than Pep Guardiola,
Pochettino has always relished their comings together but rarely finished on top; he has won just four matches against the Catalan and lost 13, although his victories include Espanyol’s memorable 2009 scalp over Guardiola’s legendary Barcelona and Tottenham’s win over City in the Champions League five years ago.
Both men are among the city of Barcelona’s favourite sons, albeit from different sides of the aisle, but, although he has never said as much, Pochettino must feel that his rivalry with Guardiola has never been on an even footing.
Now, Pochettino is finally in charge of one of the Premier League’s most successful clubs, with the history and resources to match City, but Chelsea are engaged in a long-term project, which is unlikely to come together in time to challenge Guardiola’s City, with next season expected to be the Catalan’s last in England.
If Pochettino may not get the chance to test himself against Guardiola over the course of a Premier League title race, he can still beat him in one-off matches, and Chelsea will go into the game at Wembley as rank outsiders but with reasons for confidence.
Read our full preview here!
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
15:52 , Matt Verri
Mauricio Pochettino says in his programme notes: “Both teams must feel they should have already won against each other this season (having both conceded late equalisers).
Of course, we are guaranteed to get a winner this time.
“There are so many top managers in England right now and Mauricio is definitely one of them,” Pep Guardiola writes.
“Chelsea will become a far better team with him as manager, I have no doubts about that”
Glowing words from two coaches facing each other for the 25th time.
Stage is set!
15:44 , Matt Verri
It’s filling up as kick-off ticks closer.
Just over 90 minutes until this first semi-final begins, and one side books a return to Wembley on May 25.
Reminder that whoever comes out on top here will take on Manchester United or Coventry next month.
Good day for Chelsea already!
15:36 , Matt Verri
An Erin Cuthbert strike gave Chelsea a shock 1-0 win over reigning champions Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg earlier today at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
Barcelona, who had not lost at home since February 2019, dominated early on but it was Chelsea who took the lead in the 40th minute as Sjoeke Nusken laid off the ball for Cuthbert, and the Scottish midfielder fired it into the top corner.
The Women’s Super League champions received a lifeline after Barcelona had a penalty award for handball overturned in the second half after a VAR check showed a player offside in the build-up.
Barcelona had 66% possession but struggled in the final third against Chelsea’s diligent defence, with the Blues taking a narrow lead back to London as they eye a first European title in Emma Hayes’ final season in charge.
Pochettino: Chelsea must be careful with Palmer
15:28 , Matt Verri
Cole Palmer has scored 20 Premier League goals and 25 in all competitions this season.
Mauricio Pochettino has been impressed by Palmer’s ability to shoulder extra responsibility and says the youngster has to get used to being the main star and increased exposure.
He said: “First, it is about consistently absorbing the pressure to play in the Premier League. We were talking as a coaching staff that it is about the (increased) demand in his private life. The demands are so much higher now because he is the top scorer.
“He needs to pay attention to different things than before. That will influence how he prepares, rests, sleeps, and expends the energy that he didn’t before.
“That’s why we need to be careful, I don’t know if the club has, but us [as coach] we have the experience to manage this type of thing when a young kid becomes a big star.
“We know, [people may ask] ‘why is he not performing? Why is he tired?’ It’s because his life has changed. It’s different when a player is used to that experience but he is dealing with experiences that are completely different from the past to him.”
Rodri frustrated after City defeat
15:19 , Matt Verri
Rodri took a swipe at Real Madrid after Manchester City’s dream of a historic double-treble ended in penalty heartbreak.
Man City dominated possession in Wednesday night’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg thriller but Real held on until the end of extra-time and won 4-3 in the shootout on a dramatic night at the Etihad Stadium.
Midfielder Rodri was unhappy with Real’s tactics and said: “Today I only seen one team.
“In terms of defending, they defend and they knew how to suffer. We know how tough Real Madrid are, but in my opinion we should have gone through in terms of the chances and everything.
“But they know this competition and how to play. Congratulations to them.
“It is worse to try to find an explanation. They scored their only chance. Football does not pay attention to merit, it is only about putting the ball in the net.
“We did not expect them to be so, so far deep in their set up. We had the feeling that penalties suited them better.”
Cole: Palmer is a maverick
15:09 , Matt Verri
Joe Cole believes Cole Palmer is a “throwback maverick” who should make the England squad in the summer.
Palmer scored a sensational ‘perfect hat-trick’ with both feet and his head in 29 minutes during the 6-0 win over Everton on Monday night, adding a fourth in the second half from the penalty spot.
The 21-year-old is now level with Erling Haaland on 20 goals in the race to win the Premier League’s Golden Boot.
“He has a throwback maverick mentality,” Cole said of Palmer.
“He scored a hat-trick against Manchester United, but in his post-match interview, it was as if he was walking his dog in the park. It is not forced.
“He just has a coolness and calmness on the football pitch. It is unbelievable. His mentality elevates his performance beyond just his technique.
“He has a lovely left foot when striking the ball well, but his decision-making is spot on. He makes through balls all the time and makes the right pass, but, above all, it is his mentality. I think he is a winner as well from Man City.”
Nizaar Kinsella at Wembley
15:01 , Matt Verri
The early rumours are that Erling Haaland is not fit enough to play against Chelsea.
That’s a huge boost for Mauricio Pochettino’s men if it proves to be true, even if they’ll have plenty of other threats to try and deal with.
Standard Sport prediction
14:53 , Matt Verri
Chelsea will have been pleased to see Man City go all the way to penalties against Real Madrid, but it’s hard to imagine Pep Guardiola’s side going out of two cups in the space of a few days.
They will be desperate to bounce back, and should prove too strong for the Blues.
Man City to win, 2-1.
Chelsea team news
14:43 , Matt Verri
Chelsea are set to be boosted by the returns of Axel Disasi, Enzo Fernandez and Raheem Sterling.
After overcoming small issues, the trio are back in contention. They and seven other players missed the 6-0 win over Everton on Monday night.
Ben Chilwell returned from a two-week absence from the bench, setting up Alfie Gilchrist’s maiden goal for his boyhood club late on.
Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu, Wesley Fofana, Robert Sanchez and Romeo Lavia will miss out through injury. Levi Colwill is believed to be close to returning but isn’t quite fit in time.
Djordje Petrovic will be the goalkeeper in front of a possible back four of Malo Gusto, Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella. It would mean Thiago Silva drops to the bench after starting the last two matches.
The attacking front three is set to be the in-form Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, who could get the nod ahead of Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk, given his recent form.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Gallagher, Madueke; Jackson
Man City team news
14:36 , Matt Verri
Manchester City are sweating over the fitness of Erling Haaland.
Pep Guardiola confirmed that all of Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Ajkanji and Haaland asked to come off during the midweek loss to Real Madrid, although remained unclear as to whether that was due to injury or fatigue.
Haaland is a doubt with a muscle issue, although Guardiola said De Bruyne was feeling better.
“Kevin seems well,” he said.
“Erling felt something, a muscular issue. Kevin felt exhausted, so tired, after five months out injured [at the start of the season], so that’s normal. We’ll see more tomorrow.
John Stones was only able to muster ten minutes in extra-time, so will duly need to be assessed before the trip to Wembley.
Kyle Walker is now free of his recent hamstring complaint, while Nathan Ake returned to the bench on Wednesday.
Predicted Man City XI: Ortega; Walker, Dias, Stones, Gvardiol; Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne; Foden, Alvarez, Grealish
How to watch Man City vs Chelsea
14:29 , Matt Verri
TV channel: In the UK, today’s semi-final will be broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC One. Coverage starts at 4:45pm BST ahead of a 5:15pm kick-off.
Live stream: The BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer (both free with a subscription) will offer a live stream service for fans online.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action right here with us! Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella will be providing expert analysis from Wembley.
Good afternoon!
14:23 , Matt Verri
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Manchester City vs Chelsea!
It’s the first FA Cup semi-final, with Manchester United taking on Coventry tomorrow.
City’s hopes of a double-treble are over, after defeat to Real Madrid in midweek. Can they bounce back here?
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5:15pm BST from Wembley Stadium.
