Manchester City is set to face Crystal Palace in the 2024-25 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium this Saturday. This match presents a significant opportunity for Pep Guardiola`s side to secure a major trophy.
However, City`s campaign hasn`t been their most dominant; they are currently vying for a Champions League spot next season and were knocked out of this year`s Champions League by Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the FA Cup offers City a chance to cap their season with a prestigious domestic trophy.
For Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, winning the FA Cup would be a truly historic moment, as the club has never lifted a major top-flight trophy. Manchester City suffered defeat in last season`s final against rivals Manchester United (2-1), giving Guardiola`s team an immediate opportunity to redeem themselves and claim the trophy a year later. Here`s what you need to know:
How to watch FA Cup final
- Date: Saturday, May 17
- Location: Wembley — London, England
- Live stream: ESPN
- Odds: Crystal Palace +340; Draw +270; Man City -135
What Man City are saying
Speaking ahead of the final, Pep Guardiola commented, “It`s the final of the FA Cup, an honor and privilege. Of course, we have to perform well. We travel to London and we will try to win the title. [Jean-Philippe] Mateta is strong on long balls, and their quality with [Eberechi] Eze is obvious. [Ismaila] Sarr in the semifinal punished Villa a lot. Adam Wharton is a really good holding midfielder who links well. It is a final. If we played against Villa it would be the same. When we are here, we want to lift the trophy. Last year we were disappointed with our performance. To win the trophy, you have to be there and win previous games, and we have done it many times in previous years.”
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace XI: Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi; Daniel Munoz, Daichi Kamada, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell; Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Man City XI: Stefan Ortega; Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O`Reilly; Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Player to watch
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City — As a key player for Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne will be central to their efforts. His creativity and passing range can unlock any defense. His performance could be a defining factor in the outcome, marking a significant moment for the Belgian midfielder in a major final.
Storyline to watch
Will Guardiola secure a major trophy? Despite a somewhat inconsistent season by their high standards, Manchester City have shown resilience, especially in the league where they are competing for a top-five spot and Champions League qualification. However, lifting a major trophy like the FA Cup would significantly alter the perception of their season, providing a tangible success.
Prediction
Although Crystal Palace has strong motivation to win their first major trophy, Manchester City possesses a squad with superior talent and extensive experience in high-stakes finals. Their ability to perform under pressure gives them a clear edge.
Predicted Score: Manchester City 3, Crystal Palace 1.
