New Delhi: Wembley Stadium is set to host the 144th FA Cup final on Saturday, as Crystal Palace take on Manchester City in the world’s oldest cup competition. The Eagles have reached the final after overcoming Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, Millwall, Fulham, and Aston Villa, including a commanding 3-0 victory over the Villans in the semi-final.
Their opponents, Manchester City, booked their place in the final by defeating Salford City, Plymouth Argyle, Leyton Orient, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest, with a 2-0 win over the Tricky Trees in their semi-final clash. The Citizens have lifted the trophy on seven occasions, most recently in the 2022–23 season when they beat Manchester United.
City also knows the pain of defeat, having lost six finals, including last season’s to the Red Devils and will aim to avoid a repeat. Pep Guardiola’s side have hit form in recent weeks and remain favourites to claim their eighth FA Cup crown.
Will City add another feather to their cap, or will Crystal Palace lift their first-ever FA Cup trophy? Before the drama unfolds, let’s take a closer look at which team holds the edge heading into this titanic showdown.
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— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025
Team News
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner will once again be without long-term absentees Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure as both have been ruled out for the remainder of the season. However, there’s good news for the Eagles as Adam Wharton is back in contention after missing the win over Tottenham. Eberechi Eze, who is in blistering form with five goals in his last four appearances, is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Ismaïla Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Meanwhile, Manchester City welcomed Erling Haaland back to the starting XI last weekend, though they surprisingly failed to score against Southampton. The Norwegian striker is set to lead the line again with Omar Marmoush possibly shifting wide. Kevin De Bruyne is expected to play a central role, likely partnering with Ilkay Gundogan in the midfield. Defensively, Josko Gvardiol may move into the heart of defence with Ruben Dias, while youngster Nico O’Reilly could fill in at left back. City remain without Rodri, John Stones, Nathan Ake and possibly Oscar Bobb.
Head-to-Head
Manchester City hold a good historical record against Crystal Palace, having won 39 out of 73 matches, while Palace have won just 17. The Citizens are unbeaten in their last 10 fixtures in all competitions, with their previous defeat coming against Nottingham Forest in a Premier League fixture in March.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, with their previous defeat coming against Newcastle United in a Premier League fixture in April. City have kept a clean sheet in their last three games and have defeated Crystal Palace in their last seven encounters in all competitions, with their last defeat being recorded in 2021 against them.
Predicted lineup
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta
Manchester City: Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Bernardo; Doku, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland
When, where, and how to watch the FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid match in India?
As Crystal Palace and Manchester City are all set to lock horns at the Wembley Stadium at 9 pm, fans can live stream the match on SonyLiv. The same will be telecast on the Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD TV channels.
Match Prediction
The match between Crystal Palace and Man City will be an end-to-end contest as both clubs have scored two or more goals in each of their last four meetings. The Eagles will definitely put up a tough fight, but there are very less chances that they will be able to add the silverware. Guardiola’s men will look to get back in form after a poor Southampton display and play at their best to secure the title.
Final Scoreline: Crystal Palace 0-3 Man City
Crystal Palace are set to host Manchester City at Wembley Stadium tonight for the FA Cup final clash. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
