Manchester City is set to face Crystal Palace in the 2024-25 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium this Saturday. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, City aims to claim their first major trophy of the season (potentially their second, counting the 2024 Community Shield). While this hasn`t been City`s most dominant season, evidenced by a push for a Champions League spot and an earlier exit from this year`s Champions League against Real Madrid, they still have the opportunity to win the prestigious FA Cup. For Crystal Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, winning this trophy would mark a historic first top-flight honor in the club`s history. Manchester City will also seek to avenge their 2-1 loss to rivals Manchester United in last season`s FA Cup final, looking to lift the trophy twelve months later.
How to Watch FA Cup Final
- Date: Saturday, May 17 | Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Wembley, London, England
- Live stream: ESPN
- Odds: Crystal Palace +340; Draw +270; Man City -135
What Man City are Saying
Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of the final on Friday, stating, “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. Mateta is strong on long balls, and after that, I would say their quality with Eze is obvious. 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, Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell; Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr; Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Man City XI: Ederson; Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nico O`Reilly; Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Omar Marmoush; Erling Haaland.
Player to Watch
Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City: This match is highlighted as potentially Kevin De Bruyne`s last final with Manchester City, amidst reports that the Belgian star is expected to depart the club at the end of the current season. Winning the FA Cup would be a significant way for De Bruyne to conclude his tenure by adding another major honor.
Storyline to Watch
Will Guardiola Secure a Major Trophy? Despite parts of the season being perceived as disappointing, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are noted for improving their Premier League position, now competing for a top-five spot and Champions League qualification. Winning the FA Cup would undoubtedly cast their season in a more positive light.
Prediction
While Crystal Palace has strong motivation for a historic win, Manchester City possesses a more experienced and talented squad accustomed to performing in major finals. Pick: Manchester City 3, Crystal Palace 1.
