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)
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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
