{"id":8164,"date":"2026-04-26T20:29:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T20:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=8164"},"modified":"2026-04-26T20:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T20:29:00","slug":"chelsea-or-man-city-alan-pardew-makes-fa-cup-final-prediction-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news678.top\/?p=8164","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea or Man City? Alan Pardew makes FA Cup final prediction | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\"Dutch\t<\/div>
Manchester City will likely have to much for Chelsea in this year\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 too much 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 reach the final for a 17th time in the club\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

But McFarlane could not hide his delight as 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 in their history.<\/p>\n

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

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

\u2018It was important to break the momentum and the form we were in. <\/p>\n

\u2018We were confident we would do that today and that changes the feel in the group.\u2019<\/p>\n

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

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

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\n\t\t\"Manchester\t<\/div>
City progressed to the final with a nervy win over Southampton (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

A tough trip to reigning champions Liverpool follows that, before attentions will turn back to the cup for what promises 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 year\u2019s showpiece, though, with Pep Guardiola boasting an embarrassment of riches across every position.<\/p>\n

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

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\n\t\t\"Chelsea\t<\/div>
There was a \u2018lack of a real push\u2019 from Leeds at Wembley, says Pardew (Picture: Getty)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018Looking 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 started with the bench, you could argue, but they still put in some great performances.<\/p>\n

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

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

\u2018Tijjani Reijnders has amazing quality and whenever he pulls it onto that right foot you\u2019re thinking 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 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 little bit easier when you get the win!\u2019<\/p>\n

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