Football predictions for 16 May 2026: analysis of two major matches, FA Cup final preview, today's match schedule, football predictions.
On 16 May 2026, today's football predictions focus on two major matches, especially the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea. Follow the detailed football analysis and insights on these two notable games as follows.
- FA Cup final / Kickoff at 21:00.
The "Blues" are aiming for their 9th FA Cup title and their first since 2018 under Antonio Conte. On their path to the final, Leeds United was their only Premier League opponent (other wins were against Charlton, Hull, Wrexham, Port Vale). In their last six matches, Chelsea won only once, lost four times, and most recently drew 1-1 with Liverpool. For this game, Reece James, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, and Robert Sanchez have recovered from injury. The attack remains intact with Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, and Joao Pedro.
The "Sky Blues" pursue their 8th FA Cup title and seek to erase the disappointment of losing two consecutive finals. Excluding those finals, they have won 21 of their last 23 FA Cup matches. A win over Chelsea would make them the sixth English team to achieve a domestic cup double after winning the Carabao Cup. In their last nine matches across all competitions, they remain unbeaten with eight wins and one draw. They have not lost to Chelsea in their last 13 meetings (10 wins, 3 draws). Only Rodri is injured; the rest, including Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, and Jeremy Doku, are fit. Phil Foden has recently regained good form.
Prediction Manchester City dominates Chelsea to claim the trophy.
- Bundesliga final matchday / Kickoff at 20:30.
The "Bavarians" aim to extend their record for most goals scored in a Bundesliga season, having already set a 117-goal mark. However, their defense needs improvement after conceding 20 goals in the last 11 matches. Despite winning 8 games, their latest 1-0 away win over Wolfsburg was their first victory in four matches (1 loss, 2 draws). They have won the last 5 matches against the "Billy Goats". For this game, Tom Bischof will start at left-back in place of the injured Alphonso Davies. Lennart Krauß may play in midfield. Harry Kane might be given the chance to add to his 55 goals this season.
Cologne have avoided relegation but have been very poor recently, going 12 matches without a win (6 losses, 6 draws) and winless in their last four games (2 losses, 2 draws). However, all four recent away games ended in draws. They lost 1-3 to Bayern at home last season and were defeated 0-2 away. This match sees two center-backs, Timo Hubers and Luca Kilian, sidelined with knee injuries. Despite forward Saïd El Malah (12 goals) and Jakub Kaminski (7 goals) leading the attack, Cologne are unlikely to withstand Bayern, who aim to finish their home campaign with a win.
Prediction The Bavarians will comfortably secure victory.