Manchester City fans were left surprised on Saturday as reports emerged that exciting attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has been benched by manager Pep Guardiola for the 2026 FA Cup Final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium. The news, shared widely including by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, highlights Guardiola’s tactical rotation ahead of the high-stakes clash.
Cherki’s Breakthrough Season at Manchester City
The 22-year-old French talent joined Manchester City from Lyon in the summer of 2025 for around €36.5m plus add-ons. In his debut campaign, Cherki has been a revelation, contributing goals, assists, and moments of magic that have helped City challenge for silverware. Known for his flair, vision, and technical brilliance, the No.10 has added creativity and fearlessness to Guardiola’s attack, often compared to a modern maverick.
Despite his strong form, including standout performances against Chelsea earlier in the season, Guardiola opted to rest key attackers like Cherki, Erling Haaland, and Jeremy Doku during the midweek Premier League win over Crystal Palace. This move was widely seen as squad management to keep players fresh for the demanding schedule, including the FA Cup final and remaining league fixtures.
Tactical Decision and Rodri’s Return
With Rodri returning to the starting XI, Guardiola is expected to field a strong but rotated side. Cherki’s omission from the initial lineup sparks debate: Is it pure rotation to manage fatigue, or a tactical choice against Chelsea’s setup? Many experts predict the dynamic Frenchman will feature from the bench or potentially earn a starting role, given his impact as a game-changer.
City enter the final as favorites, chasing a domestic cup double after winning the Carabao Cup. Chelsea, meanwhile, view this as a chance to salvage their season under interim management.
What It Means for the Match
Guardiola’s history of cup success shows he rarely takes finals lightly. Cherki’s bench role could mean an explosive impact as a substitute, similar to his contributions throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Fans will be watching closely to see if the young star gets the chance to shine on the big stage at Wembley.
This decision underscores the depth of Manchester City’s squad as they aim for more trophies in what has been a competitive season. Stay tuned for live updates from the FA Cup Final