Football News

Manchester City will have to overcome physical and emotional pain in their attempts to reach a second consecutive FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola's side went the full distance against Real Madrid in their eventual Champions League quarter-final penalty shootout loss on Wednesday and will now have just two full days to prepare.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have less travel to worry about with the game at Wembley and also have an additional two days of rest. The Blues were in action on Monday in a 6-0 hammering of Everton.

With the game effectively over as a contest after half an hour, Mauricio Pochettino was also able to rest a handful of his key players. Malo Gusto was taken off in the second half whilst Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson all got a rest. Noni Madueke was replaced after half-time (and a penalty spat with Jackson) too.

Ben Chilwell continued his return from illness and injury with Carney Chukwuemeka also slowly building back up. They then watched their semi-final opponents exert themselves significantly move at the Etihad Stadium 48 hours later.

For Guardiola, the boost was that Kyle Walker made his return to the starting XI against Madrid, his first since March 31. John Stones was also back in the squad — coming from the bench with less than 10 minutes of extra-time to go.

Rodri returned to the starting XI after being rested against Luton Town in the 5-1 mauling last weekend. He had played four games in 10 days prior and complained of fatigue after the first leg. He completed the full 120 minutes at the base of midfield.

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