FA CUP: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Final preview 05/17/2025

FA CUP: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Final preview 05/17/2025



The 2025 FA Cup Final promises a thrilling encounter as Crystal Palace take on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 17. This match is not just a battle for silverware but also a clash of narratives—Palace seeking their first major trophy and City aiming to salvage a challenging season.

 

🏟️ Match Details

  • Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
  • Competition: 2024–25 FA Cup Final
  • Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
  • Kick-off Time: 4:30 PM BST (9:30 PM BST+6)
  • Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
  • Referee: Stuart Attwell (Birmingham)

 

📺 How to Watch Live

United Kingdom:

  • TV: BBC One and ITV1 will broadcast the match live.
  • Streaming: Available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.
  • Radio: Live commentary on talkSPORT.

International Viewers:

  • USA: ESPN Plus
  • Canada: Sportsnet
  • Australia: Optus Sport
  • Global: Viewers can use a VPN service to access streams, though legality varies by country.

 

📰 Team News

Crystal Palace

Under manager Oliver Glasner, Palace have reached their third FA Cup final, previously finishing as runners-up in 1990 and 2016. Glasner emphasized focusing on their own performance, stating, "It's 90% about us." The team boasts a fully fit squad, with midfielder Adam Wharton returning from injury.

Manchester City

City, managed by Pep Guardiola, are appearing in their third consecutive FA Cup final, having won in 2023 and lost in 2024. This match marks a significant moment for Kevin De Bruyne, potentially his final appearance for the club before a summer departure. Key players like Erling Haaland and Ederson are expected to feature, while Rodri's availability remains uncertain.

 

🔄 Possible Lineups

Crystal Palace:
Johnstone; Clyne, Andersen, Guéhi, Mitchell; Doucouré, Wharton; Olise, Eze, Sarr; Mateta

Manchester City:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Bernardo Silva, Haaland, Grealish

 

📊 Head-to-Head Record

In their last 29 encounters:

  • Manchester City Wins: 21
  • Crystal Palace Wins: 3
  • Draws: 5

Their most recent meeting on April 12, 2025, saw City triumph 5-2 over Palace.

 

🔍 Match Preview

Crystal Palace enter the final with confidence, having scored three goals in each of their last three FA Cup matches and conceding only once. Eberechi Eze has been instrumental, contributing 12 goals and 11 assists this season.

Manchester City, despite a challenging season, remain formidable. Their recent form includes a 5-2 victory over Palace, and they are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with them. Kevin De Bruyne's experience and leadership will be crucial in this high-stakes match.

 

🏆 What's at Stake

  • Crystal Palace: A historic first FA Cup title and qualification for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League.
  • Manchester City: An eighth FA Cup win, tying with Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham, and a chance to end the season with silverware.