Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: FA Cup Final Preview

Crystal Palace and Manchester City face off in the FA Cup final. Can Palace win their first major trophy?

Crystal Palace is on the cusp of history at Wembley as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final. A win would mark the club's first major trophy in 119 years.

Manchester City, meanwhile, seeks to avoid a rare trophyless season under Pep Guardiola. The Citizens are favored to win, but Palace aims to pull off an upset and bring home their first major trophy.

Crystal Palace believes this could be their moment to shine against Manchester City, who are far from their dominant form under Pep Guardiola.

One more step to go. #CPFC pic.twitter.com/iYVlKO38A8

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 16, 2025

Palace set the stage with a 2-0 win over Tottenham, matching their highest points tally (49) in the Premier League with two games remaining.

Under Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace achieved a top-10 finish in the Premier League last season, a first in the club's history. While a repeat looks unlikely, they've made notable progress in the FA Cup.

Palace's FA Cup run has been impressive, highlighted by a 3-0 win over Aston Villa, who were quarter-finalists in the Champions League. This momentum could propel them to their first major trophy.

"Adam Wharton trained the whole week and is available." 🙌

Oliver Glasner has provided a team news update.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/xOxI5ddwX4

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 16, 2025

Eberechi Eze is a key threat for Manchester City to watch, having scored five goals in his last four games. Eze, alongside teammates Dean Henderson, Marc Guehi, and Adam Wharton, is likely to start for Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

“It means everything,” Eze said about the prospect of winning the FA Cup. “We know what it means to the fans, to the club. We're going to give everything that we've got to put ourselves in the best position.”

“We're confident. We know that we've just got to do what we do and be the best version of ourselves and we've got the chance of beating any team,” said Crystal Palace, reflecting their optimism.

A win would not only bring the club's first major trophy but also secure a historic spot in the Europa League, marking their first participation in a major European competition.

Manchester City's recent struggles, including a goalless draw against Southampton, may boost Palace's confidence. However, City has remained unbeaten in 10 games.

In their previous meeting, City came from 2-0 down to thrash Palace 5-2, with Kevin De Bruyne playing a pivotal role in sparking their comeback at the Etihad Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne has just three games left with Manchester City after a decade of success. He aims to add another major honor to his 14 trophies with the club.

“He has had an incredible time at Manchester City,” said Erling Haaland. “It is ridiculous how many trophies he has won. Hopefully, he will get one more trophy,” highlighting De Bruyne's illustrious career.

Manchester City's season has been a significant departure from their usual dominance, with the team now fighting for a top-five Premier League finish and a Champions League spot.

From Oliver Glasner, to you, our fans.

Tomorrow, we can make history.

Be loud. Be proud. Be Palace.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/PlrKAHVJZW

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 16, 2025

A trophyless season would be a major disappointment, with Erling Haaland describing it as “horrendous” for a team accustomed to winning.

Manchester City hasn't ended a season without a trophy since Pep Guardiola's arrival in 2016/17.

“It is a good habit to reach Wembley and always important to win trophies. We have the FA Cup final to play for and in a horrific season we still managed to do this,” said Erling Haaland. He is expected to start after recovering from a six-week injury absence, making his return against Southampton.