Crystal Palace arrive at Wembley as sentimental favourites and the storybook underdogs.
Image credit: Sky Sports Football
The iconic Wembley arch will once again frame the final chapter of English football’s oldest competition this Saturday, as Crystal Palace take on Manchester City in the 144th FA Cup Final.
For City, it’s another step in their silverware-laden dynasty.
For Palace, it’s a chance to carve their name into football history with a first-ever major trophy in their 120-year existence.
A Historic Opportunity for Palace
Crystal Palace arrive at Wembley as sentimental favourites and the storybook underdogs.
Having lost their only two previous finals—in 1990 and 2016, both to Manchester United—the Eagles now hope to make it third time lucky.
Their journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable.
Under Oliver Glasner’s steady leadership, they’ve marched past Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, Millwall, Fulham, and most recently Aston Villa, conceding just once in the competition.
Their 3-0 semi-final demolition of Villa was a statement performance, underpinned by attacking fluency and tactical discipline.
Domestically, Palace have gained momentum at the perfect time.
Unbeaten in five matches, they followed up a gritty draw against Nottingham Forest with an impressive 2-0 away win over Tottenham.
Eberechi Eze’s dazzling form—five goals in his last four appearances—has spearheaded their late-season resurgence.
Sitting 12th in the Premier League with 49 points (matching last season’s total with two games to go), Palace now turn their full focus to Wembley.
The prize is more than just a trophy—a win secures Europa League qualification, their first European campaign since the 1998 Intertoto Cup.
Glasner’s Grounded Approach
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Glasner remains grounded.
“It makes no sense to approach this week differently,” he insisted. “That would only make them dizzy.”
His approach reflects a calm confidence that’s been instilled throughout the squad.
However, the challenge ahead is steep.
Palace haven’t beaten City in their last seven meetings (D3 L4), including a 5-2 loss at the Etihad just five weeks ago, where they squandered a two-goal lead.
Their FA Cup history with City isn’t favourable either, with three defeats in four encounters, though they can take heart from their historic 2-0 win in 1921—their first ever meeting.
Manchester City: A Legacy on the Line
While Crystal Palace chase history, Manchester City are looking to preserve theirs.
Saturday’s final marks their 14th in the competition, and a victory would see them draw level with Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham on eight FA Cups, trailing only Arsenal (14) and Manchester United (13).
It’s been an unusually turbulent season by City’s high standards.
Out of the Premier League title race and knocked out of Europe, the FA Cup represents their last shot at major domestic glory this season.
Their path to the final has included wins over Salford City, Plymouth Argyle, Leyton Orient, Bournemouth, and a clinical 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals.
City’s form remains strong, though.
They’re unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions (W7 D3), but a frustrating draw against relegated Southampton last week highlighted their occasional struggles in breaking down deep defensive blocks.
Team News and Tactical Battles
Crystal Palace have some injury concerns.
Midfielder Adam Wharton faces a late fitness test, while Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure remain out.
Glasner may once again turn to Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma in midfield, with Daichi Kamada providing an alternative.
Up front, Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has netted 17 times this season, should lead the line, flanked by Eze and Ismaila Sarr.
Manchester City are without several key players including Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb, and John Stones.
Rising star Nico O’Reilly may feature again, having delivered three goals and two assists in five FA Cup outings.
Kevin De Bruyne, potentially playing his final FA Cup final for City, will marshal the midfield, while Erling Haaland—30 goals this season—looks to break his Wembley drought.
Interestingly, the Norwegian has never scored in five Wembley appearances.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1):
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta
Manchester City (4-2-3-1):
Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic, Bernardo; Doku, De Bruyne, Marmoush; Haaland
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
This final has the ingredients of a thrilling spectacle.
Palace have proved they can hurt top sides, and if they replicate their semi-final energy, they’ll test City.
But Guardiola’s side, when locked in, are relentless.
Expect a high-quality, end-to-end affair, but City’s class and experience may prove decisive.
