LONDON - Chelsea's season, which began with them as FIFA Club World Cup champions, has spiraled into a crisis of poor form, managerial changes, and fan protests. Now, redemption could come in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.
For Chelsea, this is an all-or-nothing clash. A win would secure their first domestic trophy in eight years and provide a much-needed lift.
The club has fired two managers this season and is out of Champions League contention. Discontent runs deep, with a fan group planning a protest march against the BlueCo ownership before the match.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah urged his team to "grab it with both hands."
For Manchester City, victory keeps alive their hopes of a domestic treble. They've already won the League Cup and are chasing Arsenal for the Premier League title.
City manager Pep Guardiola said it's a pleasure to return to Wembley, hoping for a better outcome than their last two FA Cup final defeats. Despite being the clear favorite, City will not underestimate a struggling Chelsea side, who are ninth in the league and winless in seven matches.
Guardiola rested Erling Haaland in midweek, but the Norwegian will lead City's attack on Saturday. Surprisingly, Haaland has never scored or assisted in 12 semi-finals or finals for City.
City's hectic schedule may play a role; they face Bournemouth soon after. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be led by interim manager Calum McFarlane, who took over after the latest firing. He will attempt to follow in the footsteps of past Chelsea caretakers like Roberto Di Matteo and Guus Hiddink, who won trophies in similar circumstances.