manchester united travelling squad vs chelsea

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Man Utd 2 - 1 Chelsea

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Preview: Manchester United vs. Chelsea - prediction, team news, lineups

Two faltering titans of the English game meet in a midweek Old Trafford encounter on Wednesday night, as Manchester United and Chelsea renew hostilities in a mouthwatering Premier League affair.

The Red Devils' woes continued in a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United over the weekend, while Mauricio Pochettino 's men restored a sense of blue pride by seeing off Brighton & Hove Albion 3-2 .

Match preview

Man United's injury problems this season have been well-documented, but the Red Devils' fitness concerns pale into insignificance when compared to a ravaged Newcastle unit, who were once again forced to dip into the club's academy ranks to fill the bench at St James' Park.

Nevertheless, Eddie Howe 's decimated side were a class above Erik ten Hag 's tepid troops on a freezing cold North East evening and got their just rewards in the second half, when the lively Anthony Gordon met a Kieran Trippier ball into the six-yard box to tap home at the back stick.

Ten Hag's men had enjoyed a revival of sorts in the top flight heading into the festive period, prevailing in five of their previous six top-flight battles and keeping clean sheets in three on the trot before making the trip to Tyneside, but the under-fire Dutchman was under no illusions that his side were second best all evening long.

Also reeling from another Champions League capitulation versus Galatasaray, Man United have been bumped down to seventh in the Premier League table ahead of the midweek round of fixtures, five points below Aston Villa in fourth place and only boasting 16 league goals in 2023-24 - by far the worst attacking return from any top-half team.

Eight of those strikes have come at the hosts' Theatre of Dreams headquarters, where only two of their last five Premier League games have ended with Man United coming out on the correct end of the scoreline, and if gameweek 14 is anything to go by, the Red Devils could take a leaf out of Chelsea's book when it comes to showing grit and determination.

Akin to public transport passengers waiting an age for a bus and two come at once, Enzo Fernandez had gone 30 Premier League games without scoring his maiden goal before the visit of Brighton, who succumbed to two strikes from the £106m Argentine in a five-goal extravaganza.

Fernandez's header and penalty either side of a Levi Colwill effort against his former team proved decisive, but it was far from a comfortable watch for the Stamford Bridge faithful, who witnessed captain Conor Gallagher dismissed on the stroke of half time while Facundo Buonanotte and Joao Pedro gave the Seagulls hope.

Pedro's header came with five minutes of added time on the board, but Pochettino's crop held on for an imperative win which the Argentine claimed demonstrated his side's "unity" , allowing the 10 men of Chelsea to rise above West London rivals Brentford into 10th place in the Premier League rankings.

Continuing their commitment to entertainment, Chelsea have now amassed a striking 12 goals from their last four Premier League fixtures, albeit while shipping 11 at the other end of the field, and the Blues posted three straight wins in Premier League away games before their 4-1 humbling at the hands of Newcastle last month.

Man United and Chelsea can therefore empathise when it comes to St James' Park shortcomings, but the Blues coincidentally went down 4-1 to the Red Devils during May's Old Trafford contest, which ended a sequence of five consecutive draws between the two battered behemoths.

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount may have expected a frosty reception from the travelling fans, but the Englishman will not be involved against his erstwhile employers, having only just returned to training from a calf problem.

None of Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh), Christian Eriksen (knee), Amad Diallo (knee) or Jonny Evans (thigh) will make their comebacks for the hosts just yet either, while Jadon Sancho remains in exile.

After giving Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford the nod at St James' Park, Ten Hag will certainly ponder recalls for Rasmus Hojlund and Antony for the visit of Chelsea, with Rashford in particular being chastised for a perceived lack of effort and desire during Saturday's lowly loss.

While two Chelsea players in Reece James and Marc Cucurella have now served Premier League bans and are available again, the Blues will cope without Gallagher on Wednesday evening owing to the stand-in captain's sending off for two yellow cards against Brighton, opening up a spot for Cole Palmer to return to the XI.

James is also primed to come in on the right, but Colwill's goal at the weekend could see the ex-Brighton loanee keep Cucurella at bay, unless Pochettino decides that fresh legs take precedence this week; such an approach could see Axel Disasi shifted into a central role in place of 39-year-old Thiago Silva .

Wesley Fofana (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Ben Chilwell (thigh), Malo Gusto (tendon), Christopher Nkunku (knee) and Romeo Lavia (ankle) remain confined to the treatment room, and they have been joined by the youthful Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu , both of whom are nursing muscular problems.

Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw; McTominay, Mainoo; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

Chelsea possible starting lineup: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Badiashile, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson

We say: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

For all of Man United's perpetual struggles in the attacking third, Ten Hag's side are seldom torn to shreds at the back, and one never truly knows what to expect from Pochettino's Chelsea charges.

Goals are virtually a guarantee at both ends when the Blues step out onto the field, and such a theme should continue at Old Trafford, but we simply cannot pick a clear winner and expect a return to drawing ways for the two clubs this week. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here .

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Man City vs Chelsea LIVE: FA Cup semi-final result, final score and reaction as Bernardo Silva wins thriller

LIVE – Updated at 20:12

Bernardo Silva scored an 84th minute winner at Wembley to keep Manchester City ’s double hopes alive and punish wasteful Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals .

Just days after missing a penalty in the shootout defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Silva struck late on as Pep Guardiola ’s side claimed a narrow 1-0 win.

But Chelsea suffered more Wembley heartbreak after Mauricio Pochettino ’s side missed several clear chances to take the lead, with Nicolas Jackson spurning three clear opportunities.

Chelsea also saw appeals for a penalty waved away in the second-half when Cole Palmer ’s free-kick struck Jack Grealish’s arm in the box, before Silva scored a late winner as City kept their FA Cup defence alive.

Follow all the action from Wembley below

Manchester City vs Chelsea LIVE

• FULL TIME! Man City heading back to Wembley as Silva keeps FA Cup defence alive
• 84’ GOAL! Silva breaks deadlock with finish from De Bruyne cross (MCI 1-0 CHE)
• 57’ PENALTY? Palmer free-kick hits Grealish’s arm in box but nothing given (MCI 0-0 CHE)
• 53’ SAVE! Crisp Foden shot down low saved well by Petrovic (MCI 0-0 CHE)
• 49’ CHANCES! Jackson twice denied by Ortega but should have scored (MCI 0-0 CHE)
• 29’ CHANCE! Jackson put through but can’t round goalkeeper as City clear (MCI 0-0 CHE)
• Erling Haaland not in Man City squad | Raheem Sterling on Chelsea bench

Manchester City FC 1 - 0 Chelsea FC

FULL TIME! Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

Death, taxes and Wembley woe for Chelsea. Sorry Mr Jackson, but you need to apologise a trillion times for this one. This is on you.

A bruised and battered Manchester City were there for the taking, just as Liverpool were on the ropes two months ago. Once again, Chelsea weren’t just creating good chances, but gilt-edged, match-deciding ones, with regularity.

Yet somehow, just as Liverpool escaped with a last-gasp winner in February’s Carabao Cup final heartache, against the run of play, Bernardo Silva stole in at the back post to send the FA Cup holders through to next month’s showpiece and keep City’s domestic double hopes alive.

For Chelsea and Nicolas Jackson particularly, their comedic season of woe that Amazon will be rueing the day they hadn’t sent their cameras along to capture is showing no sign of abating.

By Pete Hall at Wembley

Chelsea waste FA Cup chance as Nicolas Jackson lets Man City let off the hook

Pep Guardiola says it is “unacceptable” that Manchester City and Chelsea played today while Coventry and Manchester United tomorrow, with City in action against Real Madrid in midweek.

Pretty strong stuff from the Manchester City manager.

“It’s unacceptable to let us play today,” he said. “It’s impossible, for the health of the players. It’s not normal. It’s unacceptable. 120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly. I know this country is special [with the FA Cup] but it’s for the health of the players. I don’t understand how we survived today.”

Seven more wins and City will have won a second consecutive Premier League and FA Cup double, too.

Chelsea have now lost 10 of their 13 matches at the new Wembley - losing both games under Mauricio Pochettino this season.

Once again, after the Carabao Cup final, Chelsea had chances to win the game but experience was a factor.

We could yet have a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, but Coventry City will have something to say about that tomorrow afternoon.

Bernardo Silva, speaking to the BBC: “Very happy after a very frustrating week for all of us, for me personally. The good thing is in football at Man City, you play every three days. Every three days you have the chance to put things right and now we have a chance to win another trophy.”

“Between Coventry and Manchester United, it’s going to a tough game. We’re happy to be into another final.”

Manchester City’s players look exhausted. Silva’s goal gets them through to Wembley. That is some response from Wednesday night. They got the job done but Chelsea should have put the game away.

Manchester City are heading back to Wembley!

Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea

90+7 mins: One last chance for Chelsea as Mudryk stands over a free-kick out wide....

... and it goes straight out for a goal-kick.

Awful from Mudryk and it sums Chelsea up.

90+6 mins: City get the chance to break but De Bruyne heads straight for the corner. City are almost there but Chelsea will get one last chance...

90+4 mins: Silva, again, just keeps the ball in the corner. They’ve been second-best today, but City have the experience of getting these wins. Chelsea don’t and it’s been that simple.

90+2 mins: Man City have the ball where they want it: in the corner.

Pochettino looks furious.

90 mins: We’re into eight minutes of added time.

And if Chelsea don’t get an equaliser they are going to be under the microscope once again.

90 mins: Oh that is another HUGE chance! Chiwell breaks through down the left and has Sterling in acres of space in the middle, but doesn’t get his cross away in time! So poor.

Chelsea have been so wasteful today.

87 mins: Silva was about to be replaced by Guardiola before scoring that late goal. Oscar Bobb is now on for Alvarez, after De Bruyne is booked for a kick on Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea have made a late double change - Raheem Sterling is finally on, as is Ben Chilwell.

GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (SILVA 84’)

84 mins: Almost out of nowhere, Bernardo Silva fires City in front at Wembley!

De Bruyne makes a good run to the byline and pulls a cross back. It breaks to Silva, who keeps his cool to finish low into the ground. Cucurella tried to throw himself at the ball to make the block, but it deflects in!

Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea

82 mins: If City lose today, they can have no complaints. Alvarez hacks a shot over the bar after a pull-back from Akanji. Pep Guardiola’s side have had a gruelling week, but they’ve been second best.

79 mins: Ortega can continue. City clear the corner but from the second phase Chelsea put the cross back in. Palmer is there... a chance? No, he’s offside.

Time for a double Chelsea change: Gusto can’t continue and is replaced by Disasi. Mudryk comes on for Madueke.

76 mins: And now Ortega goes down as Chelsea win a corner down the right. Gusto did well to get down the wing, but it should of been a goalkick as it came off Akanji.

Ederson is on the bench and might be needed as Ortega is struggling.

73 mins: There’s a delay as Gusto goes down to receive some treatment, but the right back is able to continue.

Will we get ourselves a winner before extra time?

70 mins: SAVE! That’s what Doku gives you! The winger beats Gusto and creates space in the box, and then drills a low shot at goal, but Petrovic is there to save.

Then Doku goes again down the left. He cuts it back and eventually finds De Bruyne, who places his shot wide.

68 mins: Oh my goodness... this is so bad from Caicedo. Palmer releases him down the left but the midfielder gets his cross all wrong and boots it out of play with Jackson in the middle. All of Chelsea’s chances have fallen to the wrong people

66 mins: And that’s the end of Grealish’s day. He’s absolutely fuming with the officials and goes right to the fourth official’s ear to tell him so after he is replaced by Jeremy Doku.

Moises Caicedo is on thin ice and surely his last warning.

63 mins: A concern for Jack Grealish here, and Moises Caicedo is perhaps lucky he’s still on the pitch.

The Chelsea midfielder follows through in his challenge and catches Grealish high on the leg. Grealish stays down and looks hurt.

60 mins: Jackson races clear again! But this time Walker sprints back and manages to get his body across to barge Jackson, who goes to ground. Walker took a chance, but looks to have got that right.

59 mins: The strange thing about that Chelsea penalty appeal is if Michael Oliver didn’t see that it hit off Grealish to give a corner, how could he rule that it wasn’t handball?

Surely he’s got to be sent to the monitor.

56 mins: Penalty?! Oh Jack Grealish could be in trouble here... Palmer strikes a free kick from range and it strikes Grealish in the wall. But Grealish’s arm was out side and that was where the ball hit as it went out for a corner.

Michael Oliver has his hand to his ear... but there’s no review!

I think Grealish it quite lucky there as there’s an argument his arm is not in a natural position to block that free-kick.

It’s not even given as a corner. Weird one.

53 mins: SAVE! A fine stop from Petrovic to deny Foden! A smart ball back to Foden allowed him to hit a shot first time. Foden catches it well, but Petrovic is equal to his low effort as it skims off the surface. A good stop down to his right.

On second viewing, Foden could have done better and found the corner. Still, it’s City’s first shot on target.

48 mins: TWO HUGE CHANCES for Jackson! Both missed!

Chelsea should be 1-0 up and Pochettino won’t believe they’re not. First Jackson was slipped through on the left, but couldn’t squeeze his finish past Ortega. Then Palmer dug out a brilliant chance for Jackson at the back post, but his header was straight at Ortega again!

I’ve got to say, Walker was sleeping on both.

47 mins: A weird start to the half for City as Ortega scuffs his clearance, giving Madueke the chance to strike at goal. It’s wide.

Walker has also caught Gallagher, so further signs that City have yet to wake up for the start of the second half.

And we’re back underway!

A place in the FA Cup final against either Manchester United or Coventry City is up for grabs.

Or will City be taken to extra time for the second time in four days?

HALF TIME! Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea

One change for City at half-time: Ruben Dias is on for John Stones.

The biggest chance of the half. We’ve seen it before from Jackson this season.

All square and no goals at Wembley.

It’s been a lively half with both teams having their moments.

But Chelsea are in the game and will be happy with how they’ve done so far.

Few shots on target, but lots of chances: Jackson had the best of them but failed to test Ortega.

45+1 mins: Nope. De Bruyne sweeps a cross to the back post but it goes straight out of play.

We’re into two minutes of time added on.

45 mins: Another foul from Caicedo, this time on Grealish with a tug on his shirt. It’s a booking for the midfielder and another City free-kick just before half-time.

44 mins: Deary me, that’s sums up City’s half so far. Foden’s cross goes straight out of play.

Palmer then loses the ball but Fernandez wins it back on the edge of the box as he barges De Bruyne off it.

42 mins: Too much this time from City. Foden comes alive to turn on the edge of the but De Bruyne tries a flick and the move breaks down. Foden is then chopped down by Caicedo and it gives City a free-kick in a decent position.

40 mins: Will Chelsea come to pay for missing these good chances? They’re on top, that’s for sure, but City can clear again as Gusto’s cross is chested back to Ortega by Walker.

City have got to be better in the second half.

37 mins: SAVE! That was almost it for Palmer! After another good spell of Chelsea pressure, Palmer takes a touch in the box, beats Rodri for fun, and sees his shot spin and head for the corner.

But Ortega got across to keep it out down low.

34 mins: Great defending from Walker and Stones, as Chelsea fly forward again! Gusto couldn’t pick out Jackson as Walker got back just in time, then when it fell to Madueke, Stones was there to make the block.

32 mins: We’ve only had five attempts, and only two on target (both for Chelsea). But it feels like more given how open this has been at times.

31 mins: End to end, this! City almost break through as De Bruyne is slipped in. Chalobah gets back well to block De Bruyne’s shot.

29 mins: HUGE CHANCE! Was Jackson onside??? It looks like it! But Jackson didn’t believe it!

One straight ball beats the City defence and puts Jackson into a race with Stones. Jackson wins it - easily - but then can’t finish after deciding to try and go round Ortega. City got players back and Jackson’s cutback is intercepted by Ake.

And the flag stayed down. Jackson was in his own half!

27 mins: CHANCE! Almost the opener for City! Grealish digs out a wonderful cross to the back post and picks out the arriving Silva. The Portuguese heads back across goal, but it’s straight at Petrovic!

Chelsea get some relief as Foden was offside and then went for the ball.

26 mins: De Bruyne’s free-kick is helped on and out by Jackson, as Chelsea then clear the City corner...

23 mins: Chelsea are on top and asking questions! De Bruyne loses the ball to Gusto, who carries forward well. City don’t have the same level of control as they usually do, but cut out Gusto’s cross.

21 mins: There’s a good flow to this! Chelsea are in the game and are causing City some problems with the structure of their press. Pochettino has gone has something different with Gallagher out on the left wing and Jackson joining Palmer in what looks like a 4-4-2 off the ball.

And Chelsea look dangerous when they win it back and counter.

19 mins: CLOSE! Oooh, almost a lovely goal from Alvarez. The Argentine shifts, rolls, and cuts back to work space on his left. He drills a shot low but it’s blocked by his team-mate. De Bruyne was offside.

17 mins: Now a decent move from Chelsea. Jackson shapes up Stones on the left wing and finds a yard of space to flash a ball across the face of goal.

But there’s no one there.

13 mins: OFF THE LINE! City so close to the opener, as De Bruyne unlocks the Chelsea defence in one pass! He slices through Chelsea to release Foden, who tries to go around Petrovic but is forced wide. Cucurella heads away as Foden tried to cut it back, and Chelsea clear.

It was good goalkeeping from Petrovic in the end.

10 mins: Palmer wins the ball back just inside the City half and goes for goal from a long way out...

... it didn’t have the distance to trouble Ortega, who saves easily, but Palmer was trying to recreate one of his four goals against Everton from Monday night.

8 mins: Madueke wins a corner on the right after his cross is blocked by Man City are able to clear. At the other end, De Bruyne’s cross is blocked by Caicedo and City get their first corner.

They had 16 corners against Real Madrid on Wednesday without scoring...

... but they almost do here! De Bruyne takes it short to Alvarez and the Belgian’s cross finds Rodri at the back post. Petrovic collects against his post.

6 mins: Chelsea are dropping deep as City take charge of the ball, but Pochettino’s side almost break forward as Jackson is released. Ake gets back to make the challenge.

But then a moment later, Gallagher wins it back from Gallagher and Palmer releases Jackson. The striker slips and his shot is straight at Ortega.

4 mins: Silva has to jump into another challenge after another loose Chelsea pass - this time from the goalkeeper Petrovic. It’s been a fast start from City, Chelsea yet to settle.

Palmer looks fine now.

2 mins: A let off for Chelsea in the opening minute! Cucurella’s pass to Thiago Silva misses the Brazilian and Alvarez jumps on it. City can’t take advantage and the play breaks down, a let off for sure.

And Cole Palmer is hobbling after a minute! Has he picked up a knock already?

KICK-OFF! Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea

Manchester City get us underway! Both teams are in blue - City in their sky blue strips, City in their royal blue.

Here we go! There’s a warm embrace between Guardiola and Pochettino before we get underway. Lots of eyes on Cole Palmer today - could he knock Man City out of a second competition in four days?

Manchester City vs Chelsea: Latest build-up

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne asked to come off because “they could not continue” before the Champions League holders were knocked out by Real Madrid on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Haaland is City’s top scorer this season and regular penalty taker, while De Bruyne, who scored City’s equaliser, would have also been among City’s top options ahead of the shootout after 14-time champions Madrid held on for a 1-1 draw after extra time.

“It’s normal, with the amount of games we’ve played this season and in the previous seasons,” Guardiola said whe asked about his players being tired. “There’s not much time for recovery, we played extra-time and the intensity we play. We are not machines, the fatigue is there.”

On Haaland’s absence today, Guardiola said: “He’s injured. I don’t think it’s much but he’s not able for today. I don’t know [if he’ll be back for Brighton on Thursday].”

Manchester City vs Chelsea latest build-up

In another world, Cole Palmer might have been lining up for Manchester City against Chelsea today. But Pep Guardiola said the City forward “was asking to leave for two seasons” prior to his £40m to Stamford Bridge last summer.

“He’s an exceptional player, we knew when he was here. I’ve said many times, I didn’t give the minutes that maybe he deserved and now he has at Chelsea. I understand completely.

“He’s a shy guy with a lot of potential. It is what it is. He’s playing fantastically well.

“But he was asking for two seasons to leave. I said ‘no, stay’. But he still said ‘no, I want to leave’. What could we do? I said stay because Riyad [Mahrez] has gone but for two seasons he wanted to leave.”

With 25 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season, Palmer has the most goal contributions in Europe this season among players aged 23 or younger.

That includes Erling Haaland, by the way.

What Chelsea must prove as they return to scene of biggest humiliation

The blue billion-pound bottle jobs return to the scene of the crime. Or one of the crimes, anyway. For Chelsea , a second visit of the season to Wembley is an unwanted reminder that they can snatch ignominy from the jaws of respectability , that they can seem embarrassing when they could otherwise be impressing. Sadly for them, it may not be necessary. The selfishness of the petulant pair of Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, squabbling over a penalty against Everton on Monday that was clearly meant for Cole Palmer , would add another dimension to a shootout against Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday: with the pressure on, would anyone other than the nonchalant, nonplussed Mancunian step up, let alone prove so eager to wrestle the ball off a teammate to volunteer their services?

Wembley, the first half of what could have proved a cup double, highlighted other questions about their mentality. Gary Neville’s infamous jibe at Mauricio Pochettino’s team stemmed from extra-time, as Jurgen Klopp introduced ever more unknown and inexperienced players and yet Liverpool won the Carabao Cup.

By Richard Jolly

Man City vs Chelsea betting tips: FA Cup predictions, odds and free bets

Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea on Saturday has taken on greater significance in their campaign following Wednesday’s Champions League exit (5.15pm, BBC One).

The Cityzens’ defence of their European crown ended abruptly in a 4-3 defeat on penalties to Real Madrid, the two sides having played out a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their quarter-final showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola’s side had been favourites to lift the trophy for a second straight year, but now those hopes are over, there’s a greater emphasis on their Premier League and FA Cup quests.

Get the latest odds, here

Is Man City v Chelsea on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 4.45pm. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

Jack Grealish opens up on ‘difficult’ Man City season and reveals Pep Guardiola message

Jack Grealish does seem the sort to suffer from a crisis of confidence. The Brummie’s bubby persona can endear him, as well as making him the antidote to the some of the blander figures around. He has a relish for life, his enjoyment of playing football apparently only topped by the fun he evidently had celebrating Manchester City’s treble.

But if Grealish’s frankness can form part of his appeal, and made it unsurprising that he readily admitted he had found this season tough, the revelation he had lost belief in himself felt more of a shock. If it has been reflected in some subdued displays, they illustrated the England international’s state of mind.

“I just think sometimes if you’re not playing and probably not up to it in training, in your own head you just don’t feel confident,” he said.

A stop-start season saw him lose form, except for a spell in November and December and a recent resurgence. “It’s been difficult,” he added.

Jack Grealish opens up on ‘difficult’ Man City season and reveals Guardiola message

It’s already been a historic day for Chelsea Football Club. A stunning victory for Emma Hayes’s side, who became the first team in five years to beat Barcelona away from home, means they will take a 1-0 lead back to Stamford Bridge in next week’s Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg.

Over to Mauricio Pochettino and his players now to see if they can also secure a big semi-final win for the Blues.

Chelsea produce the unthinkable as Hayes writes famous chapter into farewell story

Man City vs Chelsea CONFIRMED team news!

Raheem Sterling is on the Chelsea bench as Enzo Fernandez returns from the 6-0 win over Everton. Cole Palmer starts, of course, with Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson completing the front three.

Axel Disasi returns to the Chelsea bench but Trevoh Chalobah is preferred.

There is no Erling Haaland in the Man City squad as Pep Guardiola makes four changes from his team that played Real Madrid, with Stefan Ortega, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Julian Alvarez come in. Kevin De Bruyne makes it.

Man City vs Chelsea CONFIRMED line-ups!

Man City XI: Ortega, Walker, Stones, Akanji, Ake, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez

Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Jackson

Man City vs Chelsea team news dropping soon

Erling Haaland is a doubt after the striker was unable to continue against Real Madrid, but Kevin De Bruyne is fit after also asking to come off before extra time. Manchester City are not thought to have any major new injury concerns, though workload management will be key after the Real Madrid second leg stretched beyond extra time. Kyle Walker was able to complete the entire game after his hamstring issue, but may be given a chance to recover here.

For Chelsea, Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are available after missing the 6-0 win over Everton, while Christopher Nkunku is back in “partial training”. Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Reece James and Wesley Fofana.

The players are arriving at Wembley as Manchester City face Chelsea for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Pep Guardiola has called on his Manchester City side to respond to midweek disappointment as they look to book their place in the FA Cup final.

“We don’t have an option, we don’t want to feel sorry for ourselves,” he said. “We performed at our best [against Real Madrid] but were not able to win.

“We don’t have time to reflect, we’ll do that in the summertime. In football you compete to win, but sometimes you lose games, and that’s what happened.”

Chelsea’s penalty debacle proves one thing about their ridiculous season

It was an argument straight from the playground. Even as Chelsea cruised to their best win of the season, Mauricio Pochettino ’s side somehow found a way to remind everyone of how far there is to go before this young team can be taken seriously. “If they behave like kids, it’s impossible,” sighed Pochettino, unable to hide his frustration.

Immature? A team of individuals? An absence of leadership on the pitch? Chelsea have been accused of all of the above and more this season – and so a very public falling out over a second-half penalty at Stamford Bridge showed exactly what Pochettino is up against in his own dressing room. Cole Palmer , Chelsea’s star player and a contender now for footballer of the year, is the club’s designated penalty taker, yet the actions of Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson in attempting to claim the penalty for themselves not only overshadowed a brilliant 6-0 win over Everton but threatened to undermine their manager’s authority.

Mauricio Pochettino draws a line under Chelsea penalty row

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino was left “so upset” after his players argued over penalty-taking duties during the 6-0 win over Everton on Monday night, in scenes he branded “unacceptable”.

Chelsea were four goals up - with Cole Palmer scoring a first-half hat-trick at Stamford Bridge- when Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke sparked the unsavoury incidents as they started pushing and shoving over who should take the penalty.

Today’s FA Cup semi-final could be decided by penalties and Pochettino said: “We were talking a lot this week because we were practising penalties. I think it’s clear. I made clear after the game. We had a meeting with the players and staff and they were involved also the sporting director.

“I explained my feelings and in the future it cannot happen like this. The message was clear and now we need to move. They are clever and understand the situation. In another way it’s good that a player wants to take responsibility for a penalty, show the character and personality of the team and the players.

“But they need to respect discipline and the rules which are so important. The way they wanted to do things was in a very wrong way. It’s important for them to learn and for us to apply common sense and act in a different way in the future. Now all is clear we need to move on.”

How Real Madrid’s ‘lucky’ night exposed the truth about Man City

The man sometimes described as football’s greatest manager considered a result that could lead to Carlo Ancelotti winning a fifth Champions League, while his own tally will remain a mere three. “In other sports, we would have won with those statistics,” said Pep Guardiola. Manchester City had 32 shots to Real Madrid’s eight. Real scored four penalties to City’s three. Barcelona’s most successful coach quoted his mentor. “Johan Cruyff said luck doesn’t exist and I agree with him.”

There is, though, a case that fortune did not favour City: eliminated on penalties after 210 minutes of drama, they could reflect upon Real’s two deflected goals in the Bernabeu, the illness that made Kevin De Bruyne a late withdrawal in the Spanish capital, the moment when Erling Haaland hit the bar in Manchester, when the Belgian blazed over as he seemed set to cap a tour de force with a decider. There was Bernardo Silva’s misguided decision to try and chip Andriy Lunin from 12 yards; “it happens,” said a forgiving Guardiola. They were fine margins and this could have been another season of continental superiority. Indeed Ruben Dias, scarcely the most outspoken of footballers, said City “dominated the whole game” against Real.

Cole Palmer took his Chelsea tally to 20 goals in the Premier League with another hat-trick on Monday night, scoring four at Stamford Bridge.

“He has been sensational and there is an argument he could be Player of the Year – that’s how good he has been,” said former Chelsea star Joe Cole, who said Palmer simply has to be in England’s Euros squad this summer.

“You have to bring a player of that quality. The technicians are what are going to win us the tournament. They all have to go and they all have to have time on the pitch.

“Palmer is a top player. I have watched him play and he is a top, top player.

“Cole Palmer is an absolute genius.”

Cole Palmer an ‘absolute genius’ who could help England win Euro 2024 – Joe Cole

Since losing the League Cup final to Manchester City on penalties, Chelsea have lost six finals in a row at Wembley - although they have won all three of their FA Cup semi-finals during that time.

2020: 3-1 vs Manchester United

2021: 1-0 vs Manchester City

2022: 2-0 vs Crystal Palace

Pep Guardiola’s side lost three FA Cup semi-finals in a row between 2020 and 2022 - but they won the FA Cup on both occasions they reahed the final under Guardiola (2019 and 2023).

2019: 1-0 vs Brighton

2020: 0-2 vs Arsenal

2021: 0-1 vs Chelsea

2022: 2-3 vs Liverpool

2023: 3-0 vs Sheffield United

Manchester City and Chelsea both have unwanted records that they’ll want to improve today.

Man City have won just two of their last six FA Cup semi-finals, while Chelsea have just have lost their last six finals at Wembley. Even though today is a semi-final, there is talk of a Wembley curse among the Blues...

Man City vs Chelsea predicted line-ups

Manchester City XI: Ortega; Lewis, Stones, Dias, Ake; Rodri; Foden, Silva, De Bruyne, Doku; Alvarez.

Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling.

Chelsea early team news

Raheem Sterling, Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi are available after missing the 6-0 win over Everton, while Christopher Nkunku is back in “partial training”. Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Reece James and Wesley Fofana.

Man City early team news

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Manchester City continue their chase of a second consecutive FA Cup crown as they take on Chelsea at Wembley.

The semi-final clash comes hot on the heels of Manchester City’s Champions League exit on penalties to Real Madrid.

It means there will be no repeat treble, but their chances of twin trophies were boosted by league slip-ups for both Arsenal and Liverpool last weekend.

Chelsea, though, will have designs on silverware of their own as they bid to make a strong finish to a mixed first campaign under Mauricio Pochettino.

Here’s everything you need to know .

Enzo Fernandez returns to the Chelsea starting XI for this afternoon's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.

The Blues are hoping to secure our place in the showpiece match of the world's oldest club competition for the 17th time – and we have made the trip to north London off the back of a commanding 6-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino faced several tricky selection decisions and has opted to make just one change to his side.

Djordje Petrovic , who didn't feature in the previous two rounds, keeps his place in goal. Injury keeps Robert Sanchez out of the squad with Marcus Bettinelli named among the substitutes.

The back four is the same one that started on Monday evening. Malo Gusto continues at right-back while the centre-back partnership consists of Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva . Marc Cucurella is named at left-back.

Enzo missed the win over Everton with an injury but is back in the midfield alongside Moises Caicedo . Conor Gallagher captains the side and will be deployed further upfield.

Mykhailo Mudryk steps out of the Chelsea attack, but Cole Palmer , Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all remain in the side.

Chelsea : Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Gallagher (c), Jackson; Palmer

Chelsea substitutes : Bettinelli, Disasi, Badiashile, Gilchrist, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka, Sterling, Mudryk, Deivid Washington

Man City: Ortega; Walker (c), Stones, Akanji, Ake; Rodri; Foden, De Bruyne, Silva, Grealish; Alvarez

Man City substitutes: Ederson, Dias, Gvardiol, Gomez, Lewis, Bobb, Kovacic, Nunes, Doku

• Man Utd vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record and H2H Stats

Man Utd vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record

This page lists the head-to-head record of Chelsea vs Man Utd including biggest victories and defeats between the two sides, and H2H stats in all competitions.

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Man City 1-0 Chelsea: Bernardo Silva's late strike saw FA Cup holders reach final again

Report as Man City edged past Chelsea to reach the FA Cup final; Chelsea dominated much of the game but Bernardo Silva's late strike punished the Blues; Win sees City bounce back from Champions League disappointment to keep their FA Cup and Premier League double hopes alive

Senior Football Journalist @OliverYew

Sunday 21 April 2024 07:08, UK

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Bernardo Silva's late goal kept Manchester City's hopes of retaining the domestic double alive after Pep Guardiola's side secured a 1-0 FA Cup semi-final victory against Chelsea.

Reeling from their midweek Champions League exit on penalties at the hands of Real Madrid, which ended their hopes of back-to-back trebles, Guardiola's side, who were without the injured Erling Haaland, struggled for rhythm for much of the game.

Chelsea were the team on the front foot at Wembley and in the end, they were made to pay for a host of missed chances. Nicolas Jackson was the main culprit as he was denied twice in quick succession by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega early in the second half.

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Mauricio Pochettino's side were also denied a penalty when Cole Palmer's free-kick struck the hand of Jack Grealish. Referee Michael Oliver waved away the appeals before VAR stuck with the on-field decision, much to the bemusement of Pochettino and his players.

It is understood VAR officials decided not to punish Grealish for the handball because he was trying to make his body smaller as Palmer's free-kick came towards him.

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In his post-match press conference, Pochettino hinted that he felt his side should have had a spot kick.

He said: "Maybe you had a better view? From the touchline is was difficult to see.

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"Someone on my staff said it was a penalty. I said to the referee, 'why not check the penalty on the TV?' From what I saw after [he nods]... we move on."

With extra-time looming, the breakthrough came. Silva, who made amends for his midweek penalty miss in the shootout against Real Madrid, converted Kevin De Bruyne's cross at the back post to get City over the line and to keep their FA Cup defence on track.

They will be back at Wembley for their second successive FA Cup final on Saturday May 25 to face either Manchester United or Coventry, who face off in the other semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.

How Man City returned to the FA Cup final...

Was their going to be a Man City hangover following their midweek exit from the Champions League? Chelsea certainly asked the question with Pochettino's side making a very bright start at Wembley.

Conor Gallagher, starting in an unfamiliar left wing role, was snapping at the heels of the City defenders and won the ball back right on the edge of the penalty area before Jackson fired a shot straight at goalkeeper Ortega.

Player ratings

Man City: Man City: Ortega (8), Walker (7), Stones (6), Akanji (7), Ake (7), Rodri (6), De Bruyne (8), Bernardo (7), Foden (7), Grealish (6), Alvarez (7). Subs used: Dias (6), Doku (7), Bobb (n/a). Chelsea: Petrovic (7), Gusto (6), Chalobah (7), Silva (7), Cucurella (7), Caicedo (6), Fernandez (6), Madueke (6), Palmer (7), Gallagher (7), Jackson (6). Subs used: Disasi (n/a), Mudryk (/a), Sterling (n/a), Chilwell (n/a). Player of the match: Kevin De Bruyne.

Fresh from his four goals on Monday against Everton, Palmer showed his confidence is sky high as he tried to catch Ortega out with an ambitious lobbed effort from 45 yards. However, unlike against Everton, he didn't quite catch his strike right with Ortega making a comfortable save.

Man City were struggling to find their rhythm. However, with the quality they possess they can turn it on in the blink of an eye. De Bruyne did just that with an exquisite pass to release Phil Foden in behind the Chelsea defence. The England international rounded Dorde Petrovic but his touch took him too wide, and with the angle too tight, Marc Cucurella got back to head the ball clear.

City couldn't build on that moment as Chelsea finished the half strongly. Jackson sprung the City offside trap but didn't look comfortable running through on goal. He did manage to round Ortega, but he was forced wide and declined to shoot before passing the ball straight to Nathan Ake.

Ortega then produced a huge moment just before the break as he got down low to his left to make a smart save to deny the in-form Palmer as the two sides went in at the break level.

Were Chelsea going to rue not capitalising on their dominance in the first half?

Man City, who brought Ruben Dias on to replace John Stones at half-time, were still being put under huge pressure Chelsea at the start of the second half. The chances kept coming for Pochettino's side, but they kept being wasted.

Jackson was the culprit on this occasion. He was denied not once, but twice in quick succession by Ortega, with the second opportunity a header he really should have converted from close range.

Team news headlines

• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made four changes from the side that lost on penalties to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday. Erling Haaland was not in the squad with Julian Alvarez replacing him. Stefan Ortega came in for Ederson in goal while Nathan Ake and John Stones replaced Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in defence.
• Chelsea made just one change to the side that thrashed Everton 6-0 on Monday. Enzo Fernandez returned in midfield with Mykhailo Mudryk dropping to the bench.

The game was becoming more open as the second half wore on and Foden was denied by a smart save from Petrovic before Chelsea were denied a penalty by VAR when Palmer's free-kick appeared to strike Grealish on the hand.

Man City finally started to get a rip on the game deep in the second half. Jeremy Doku replaced Jack Grealis and he was straight into action, but his low shot was kept out by the feet of Petrovic. Moments later, De Bruyne fired wide as City pushed for a winner.

The decisive moment came six minutes from time. Petrovic diverted De Bruyne's cross into the path of Silva, who fired home at the far post to break Chelsea hearts and send his side into the final.

Pep: I don't know how we survived

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola :

"It's unacceptable to let us play today. It's impossible, for the health of the players. It's not normal. It's unacceptable, 120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose, honestly. I know this country is special [with the FA Cup] but it's for the health of the players. I don't understand how we survived today."

Asked whether he has raised it with authorities: "Do you think demanding will change something? The only power I have I say here. Why don't we play tomorrow [Sunday]? Chelsea, Manchester United, Coventry didn't play midweek.

"I thought a lot. I remember two seasons ago we had Dortmund on Wednesday - and Liverpool on Saturday [in the FA Cup semi]. They were 3-0 up at half-time. They destroyed us.

"Mentally so tough to recover. Rodri, the way he played today, Kyle, who was injured for a few weeks, I don't understand how they survived. We want to play football. We love to play football but it's too much. We defend our trophy. We'll be here.

"They killed us on the transition. The game was so tight. [I thought] extra-time, no please."

On what he told his players: "Don't fight against your feelings. If you're sad you're sad. If you're disappointed, you're disappointed. I'm sad. I'm so down. We played an exceptional game. I said if you're sad play with your sadness."

Analysis: Man City grit their teeth to seal Wembley return

Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at Wembley: It’s easy to run out of superlatives when talking about Guardiola’s Man City. So often the football last season’s treble winners play memorises and they blow the opposition away, but at Wembley that wasn’t the case. After their midweek exploits when they suffered a Champions League exit on penalties at the hands of Real Madrid, City were made to work hard. They were pushed right to their limits and Guardiola knew it. After the game, he said: “120 minutes, the emotions of Madrid, the way we lose... honestly. I don't understand how we survived today.” City had to show a different side. They were clearly still feeling the effects of being taken to extra-time by Real Madrid just three days ago. They were far from their fluent best but in the end, sheer determination got them over the line. Full credit has to go to them for that as they keep their hopes of retaining the domestic double alive.

Poch: We must finish season in the best way

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino :

"The most important thing is to be clinical and not concede.

"Even if today we competed well, I cannot say we were the better side. We can take positive things from this game. This group of players need these kind of moments.

"Now is a time to finish the season in the best way and then talk about how we can be better.

"Now we play Tuesday against Arsenal, another very good team, and we need to be ready.

"Maybe Manchester City didn't have enough time to recover, it's also the same for us on Tuesday.

"We need to assess the team in a different way and not compare to the history of Chelsea. The evolution is good but we need to be ambitious and think how we can improve."

Analysis: So near but yet so far for Chelsea

Sky Sports’ Joe Shread: It’s been a case of so close, yet so far for Chelsea in the cups this season. They can claim to have been the better side in the Carabao Cup final in February and in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley - yet they failed to score, let alone win, on both occasions. Chelsea’s failure to beat a severely depleted Liverpool was a huge missed opportunity for Mauricio Pochettino and his youthful side to win their first piece of silverware. And, while Pep Guardiola’s XI contained far more experience than the Liverpool side that ended the game against Chelsea two months ago, they were clearly drained from Wednesday’s defeat to Real Madrid. This was probably as close as a Guardiola side will be to being there for the taking. Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden all looked off the pace for long periods, while Chelsea continually found space behind City’s defence. But just like against Liverpool, the Blues could not take advantage. Nicolas Jackson was the chief culprit, spurning three glorious openings, but so many of his team-mates displayed a lack of precision in the final third. Chelsea’s wastefulness left them open to a sucker punch and - just like against Liverpool - City delivered it. The west Londoners can point to the controversial decision not to penalise Jack Grealish’s handball but, in reality, the blame lies at their own door. Until this young Chelsea side learns how to take their chances when it really matters, Wembley will continue to be a place of woe.

What's next?

Manchester City travel to Brighton on Thursday April 25, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports .

Chelsea are at Arsenal on Tuesday April 23, kick-off 8pm.

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Chelsea XI vs Man City: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for FA Cup game today

Chelsea are set to be boosted by the return of Axel Disasi, Enzo Fernandez and Raheem Sterling to the squad for today’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City .

After overcoming small issues, the trio are back in contention at Wembley. Fernandez starts in midfield, with Disasi and Sterling among the substitutes.

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They and seven other players missed the  6-0 win over Everton on Monday night, which was Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest victory since becoming Chelsea's manager. 

Ben Chilwell returned from a two-week absence from the bench, setting up Alfie Gilchrist’s maiden goal for his boyhood club late on.

The returning players significantly improve Chelsea’s chances ahead of a crucial domestic cup match that represents a last chance at silverware and a route into the Europa League.

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 enough to make the squad.

Djordje Petrovic is be the goalkeeper in front of a back four of Malo Gusto, Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella. Fernandez is back alongside Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher.

The attacking front three is -form Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke, who gets the nod ahead of Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk, given his recent form.

Starting XI: Petrovic, Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher, Madueke, Palmer, Jackson.

Man City XI vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup game

Man City vs Chelsea: FA Cup prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds

Subs : Bettinelli, Badiashile, Disasi, Gilchrist, Chilwell, Chukwuemeka, Mudryk, Sterling, Washington.

Time and date : 5.15pm BST on Saturday, April 20, 2024

Venue : Wembley Stadium, London

TV channel and live stream : BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website

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Pep Guardiola will have to make the most of all his managerial brilliance as Manchester City prepare to take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.

His side are used to playing three games in a week but following a gruelling mental and physical exertion over 120 minutes against Real Madrid on Wednesday there are additional challenges at play. City's double-treble is gone but another successful season remains possible.

To reach a second consecutive FA Cup final at Wembley they will have to overcome just two days of rest - plus additional travel compared to their opponents. Having pushed themselves to the limit at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night it is a task even for the mighty Guardiola.

ALSO READ: Klopp and Walker agree on City and Liverpool exits from Europe

ALSO READ: Man City may have to make seven changes vs Chelsea

He isn't underestimating Mauricio Pochettino's side either despite the league table showing Chelsea in a still lowly ninth place . "Maybe the toughest opponents we can face right now, with all respect to [Manchester] United and Coventry of course, but a really tough opponent," he said ahead of the game.

"We travel and try to smell who feels better, who recovers better from the game against Madrid. They say 'I'm fine, Pep' when you talk with them, but you never know who is fine - some recover better than the other ones. Everyone is ready to do this battle again."

Luckily for Guardiola, his squad is big for games just like this. Jeremy Doku came from the bench against Madrid, as did Mateo Kovacic, John Stones, and Julian Alvarez. Unused were Nathan Ake, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis, Oscar Bobb, and Nathan Ake.

Kyle Walker and Stones were making returns to the squad which is a boost to Guardiola as he looks to try and keep his squad fresh. Foden and Rodri had both been rested against Luton Town last weekend too after a tough schedule. Ake hasn't played in the last three games.

The bigger problems are to true standout stars. Both Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne were taken off with the game on the line. The decision shocked most at the time but the head coach has since explained it was the players themselves who made the call.

"We will see [if they can be involved against Chelsea]," he said. "It was a tough game, 120 minutes. A lot of action, high intensity from both sides.

"Erling felt something, a muscular issue and that's why he said he could not continue. Kevin felt exhausted and after what happened with injured for five months, that is normal.

"The doctor said it was a little bit niggles [with Haaland] and we will see the evolution in the next hours. The amount of games we are playing this season and the previous season and not much recovery and extra time and high intensity and the way we played, put a lot of pressure on our game.

"They are human beings, not machines. Sometimes the fatigue is there."

Here, Manchester Evening News takes this into account to predict the squad Guardiola will name at Wembley.

Goalkeepers: Ederson, Stefan Ortega

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias

Midfielders: Mateo Kovacic, Kevin De Bruyne, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, Rodri

Attackers: Jeremey Doku, Oscar Bobb, Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish.

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