FA Cup final: everything on the line at Wembley
This is it. Chelsea face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley — the game that defines your season. Win, and you salvage a campaign that's been drifting. You also lock in European football. Lose, and it's a long, empty summer. The stakes could not be higher. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
Training ground injury blow
A Chelsea player has picked up an injury in training and is now a doubt for the final. No name has been confirmed yet, but any late fitness issue ahead of a game this big is the last thing you need. The squad is already stretched — this is a gut punch at the worst possible moment. (9)
Alonso: new manager days away?
Chelsea aim to appoint a new manager within days of the FA Cup final, with growing optimism that Xabi Alonso is ready to join. The club is also targeting two or three ready-made summer signings, with the new head coach getting a big say in who arrives. After a season of uncertainty, clarity is finally close. (8)
Liverpool could still hijack Alonso
Not so fast. There's a real fear among Chelsea fans that Alonso could choose Liverpool instead — if Arne Slot gets sacked. Alonso's ties to Anfield run deep, and an opening there would test his commitment to the Chelsea project. You're not over the line yet. (7)
Guardiola: thriving, not leaving
Pep Guardiola has described managing Manchester City as 'fucking fun' and insists he's going nowhere before his contract ends. He's chasing a cup double at Wembley — and looks as hungry as ever. The man standing between Chelsea and a trophy isn't easing up anytime soon. (11)
Fan reactions
Supporters are clinging to Matt Law's report that a manager could be named within days of the final, with Alonso optimism running high across the subreddit. The Garnacho quotes about dreaming of another Wembley final have also struck a chord — his winner against City in a previous final still fresh in memory. This fanbase is nervous but starting to believe the stadium might just deliver again. Read the full discussion