{"id":325085,"date":"2026-04-27T03:00:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T21:30:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=325085"},"modified":"2026-04-27T03:00:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T21:30:43","slug":"chelsea-or-man-city-alan-pardew-makes-fa-cup-final-prediction-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/04\/27\/chelsea-or-man-city-alan-pardew-makes-fa-cup-final-prediction-football\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea or Man City? Alan Pardew makes FA Cup final prediction | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Manchester City will likely need to much for Chelsea on this 12 months\u2019s FA Cup final, says Alan Pardew (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alan Pardew has praised Chelsea\u2019s performance against Leeds but believes Manchester City will ultimately have an excessive amount of firepower in next month\u2019s FA Cup final.<\/p>\n

Enzo Fernandez headed home what proved to be the winner as Chelsea \u2013 led by interim manager Calum McFarlane \u2013 edged past Leeds this weekend to succeed in the ultimate for a seventeenth time within the club\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

The hard-fought 1-0 victory got here 24 hours after City prevailed to advance through to this 12 months\u2019s showpiece, with a pair of late goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez breaking Southampton hearts in an exhilarating finish at Wembley.<\/p>\n

McFarlane has taken over the reins at Stamford Bridge under extremely difficult circumstances within the wake of Liam Rosenior\u2019s dismissal after only 106 days accountable for the Blues.<\/p>\n

The 40-year-old had also managed Chelsea as caretaker following Enzo Maresca\u2019s sacking firstly of the 12 months, failing to select up a win from his two matches away to City and Fulham within the Premier League.<\/p>\n

But McFarlane couldn’t hide his delight because the west London giants held firm against a late barrage from Leeds, with the Club World Cup holders aiming to lift the FA Cup for a ninth time of their history.<\/p>\n

\u2018It was vital to get the win,\u2019 McFarlane told reporters shortly after the ultimate whistle.<\/p>\n

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Fernandez scored the decisive goal for Chelsea at Wembley (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Interim boss McFarlane will lead Chelsea into next month\u2019s showpiece (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018It was vital to interrupt the momentum and the shape we were in. <\/p>\n

\u2018We were confident we might try this today and that changes the texture within the group.\u2019<\/p>\n

McFarlane added: We would like to win every game for the fans. <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s not worked out in other competitions. We would like to win every game, like in any season, but it surely\u2019s not extra motivation.\u2019<\/p>\n

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City progressed to the ultimate with a nervy win over Southampton (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chelsea return to Premier League motion at home to Nottingham Forest in only over every week\u2019s time, where they’ll look to get back to winning ways after a miserable five-match losing run under Rosenior.<\/p>\n

A troublesome trip to reigning champions Liverpool follows that, before attentions will turn back to the cup for what guarantees to be an intriguing encounter with a rampant City side at Wembley.<\/p>\n

Former Crystal Palace and Newcastle manager Pardew can only see one winner from this 12 months\u2019s showpiece, though, with Pep Guardiola boasting a humiliation of riches across every position.<\/p>\n

Asked if Chelsea have what it takes to beat City, Pardew told talkSPORT<\/a>: \u2018I don\u2019t think so, no.<\/p>\n

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There was a \u2018lack of an actual push\u2019 from Leeds at Wembley, says Pardew (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Taking a look at Manchester City against Southampton yesterday, they\u2019re in great form, their offensive players are on fire and Pep Guardiola has got such ammunition from the bench.<\/p>\n

\u2018He can change it and yesterday he began with the bench, you would argue, but they still put in some great performances.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mateo Kovacic, who hasn\u2019t played all 12 months, was absolutely terrific. They\u2019ve still got some marvellous, marvellous players at that football club.<\/p>\n

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City are riding a six-game winning streak in all competitions (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Tijjani Reijnders has amazing quality and at any time when he pulls it onto that right foot you\u2019re considering he\u2019s going to get a shot off. And it wouldn\u2019t have been a surprise if he got the winner yesterday.<\/p>\n

\u2018Great goals, great game, great atmosphere. By the best way, well done to the Southampton fans, everyone who turned up there, great support.<\/p>\n

\u2018Manchester City fans were great, too, but they got the win. It\u2019s a bit of bit easier once you get the win!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Who will win this 12 months’s FA Cup?<\/h3>\n