Everyone agrees Chelsea are heavy underdogs for the FA Cup final, and the statistics tell the story. They haven’t beaten Manchester City in five years and have been outscored 25-7 across their last 13 meetings in all competitions, with no clean sheets. The club heads to Wembley having lost six consecutive domestic cup finals (three in the Carabao Cup, three in the FA Cup), creating a psychological hurdle. Their league form has also been poor, with just six points from their last 11 Premier League games, including a run of six defeats.
But football always offers hope. That losing streak finally ended with a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday, sparking thoughts of “what if?” Here are five positives from Anfield to carry into the big match.
**Colwill and His Effect on Fofana**
Interim head coach Calum McFarlane’s reaction to Levi Colwill’s first start in 10 months said it all. The England centre-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on day one of pre-season. After a substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest last week, he was restored to the starting XI at the weekend. “He was exceptional,” McFarlane said. “The first 90 minutes, away at Anfield, with the team not in their best form—to produce that level of performance shows his talent, quality, and mentality.” Asked if Colwill could start against City, McFarlane replied: “Definitely.”
That may surprise some, given Colwill lacks match sharpness and facing Erling Haaland with a trophy at stake is tougher than dealing with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. But it shows how important Colwill is to Chelsea. His absence has hurt the team more than outsiders realize. Colwill is one of England’s finest defenders and brings the best out of Wesley Fofana, who has struggled for weeks. The duo formed a strong partnership last season and picked up where they left off at Anfield.
**Caicedo Looking More Like Himself in Midfield**
Moises Caicedo dictating play again was a welcome sight. The Ecuadorian is one of Chelsea’s most important players but has been below his usual high standards for months. When he’s at his best, Chelsea are a different side. Against Liverpool, he delivered a fine all-round display: most key passes, 64 passes overall (second), four tackles (second), 80 touches (second), two dribbles (second), two clearances (third), and three fouls received (second). Chelsea looked much more balanced with Caicedo stepping up at both ends. They will need him to go up another level against City.
**Cucurella Is an Option as an Attacking Force**
McFarlane gave no guarantees that wingers Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho will recover from muscular injuries to face Pep Guardiola’s side. With Chelsea’s other three wingers—Estevao, Jamie Gittens, and academy graduate Jesse Derry—ruled out, there are concerns about where the wide threat will come from. Playing as an advanced…
