The FA Cup final is here, and while it won’t close the English football season this year, it still brings big drama, history, and the chance for heroes to be made.
This Saturday, Manchester City return to Wembley for their third final in a row, looking to end a frustrating season with silverware. But standing in their way is a fearless Crystal Palace side, back on the big stage and chasing their first-ever FA Cup win.
Two very different journeys
City come into this final as the big favourites. They have not been at their brilliant best this season, but Pep Guardiola’s team still know how to get results. They have reached this stage with their usual dominance, and while they are not defending champions, that title belongs to Manchester United, they will be desperate to avoid losing back-to-back finals.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have been the story of the competition. Just a few months ago, they were flirting with the relegation zone. But since Oliver Glasner took over, the Eagles have been transformed. They’ve become more organised, more dangerous going forward, and have already knocked out strong sides to reach only their third FA Cup final.
The history books
Manchester City are playing in their 14th FA Cup final. They have won it seven times, with the chance to draw level with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham on eight. They have also been in strong form against Palace recently, unbeaten in their last seven meetings, including a 3-0 win in their last FA Cup clash back in 2017.
Palace, by contrast, are still chasing their first FA Cup. They lost their only two finals, both to Manchester United, in 1990 and 2016. Another defeat would make them the first team in history to lose three finals without ever lifting the trophy.
Key players to watch
All eyes will be on Kevin De Bruyne. This could be his last FA Cup final for City, and he’s been involved in four goals across his previous three finals (one goal, three assists). When he controls the tempo, City are almost impossible to stop.
Rising star Nico O’Reilly could also have a say. With three goals and two assists in this season’s cup run, he’s been one of City’s standout performers.
For Palace, Eberechi Eze is the danger man. He has hit top form at the perfect time with three goals and an assist in his last four FA Cup games, after going 14 matches without a goal involvement in the competition.
And if Palace need a late impact, don’t overlook Eddie Nketiah. He has been involved in a goal in each of his last three FA Cup appearances, all from the bench, and already knows what it takes to win the final from his time at Arsenal.
Stats that matter
- City have lost just 6 of their last 44 FA Cup games but 5 of those defeats were at Wembley.
- Palace have conceded only one goal in the entire cup run.
- Each of the last four meetings between these sides has seen both teams score 2+ goals.
All the pressure on City
Manchester City are expected to win. Palace are playing with freedom and belief, knowing few expect them to lift the trophy. That’s a dangerous mix for a side like City, who’ve already seen their league and European hopes fade.
City must win. Palace just need to believe. This could be a routine victory or the perfect stage for one of the biggest shocks in recent FA Cup history.
