FA Cup final: a big deal or just another Premier League match?

On Saturday 17th May 2025, Wembley Stadium will host the 144th FA Cup final. Crystal Palace will be taking on Manchester City. This match marks a significant milestone for Palace, who are aiming for their first major trophy, while City are seeking to continue their domestic dominance.  

The final is set to kick off at 4:30pm BST, a time chosen to avoid clashing with the Eurovision Song Contest, ensuring that the spotlight remains solely on English football’s oldest cup competition. 

But will the world be watching or has the FA Cup lost its magic? It’s difficult to say, but with Crystal Palace in the final hoping to create their own history, this could be the shake-up the tournament needs. 

Over the last 10 years: 

• The FA Cup has largely been dominated by some of the biggest clubs in the country – apart from Leicester City’s win in 2021, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have lifted the trophy. 

• Crystal Palace reached the final back in 2016, and despite taking the lead, Alan Pardew’s side fell short in extra-time. However, nine years later, the Eagles are back at Wembley hoping to right their wrongs.  

• Manchester City have won two FA Cups in the last six years. However, this isn’t the Manchester City of old, and with most football neutrals supporting Palace on the day, this could attract a large audience – especially if the Eagles score first. 

Do you want to find out more about the recent history between Crystal Palace and Manchester City? If so, keep reading at Tonybet! 

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City 

Head-to-head record of Crystal Palace vs Manchester City this decade:

 Recent matches

The history between Crystal Palace and Manchester City has been marked by some intriguing encounters, particularly in the Premier League. In their most recent meeting on 12th April, Manchester City laid down a marker for the final, brushing Palace to one side in a comprehensive 5-2 victory. 

Despite the visitors racing into a 2-0 lead inside 21 minutes thanks to goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards, Pep Guardiola’s side bounced back and went in at half-time level. The momentum had swung and City ran riot in the second half with goals from Mateo Kovačić as well as youngsters James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly. 

However, Palace fans will take some hope from the reverse fixture back in December last year. Once again, the Eagles took the lead – this time through their Colombian right-back Daniel Muñoz – before Erling Haaland equalised on the half-hour mark. 

Once again, Palace got themselves in front at a noisy Selhurst Park, but another City youngster – Rico Lewis – silenced the home crowd before he was eventually sent off with six minutes left on the clock. The match finished 2-2.  

This season 

However, Palace have faced Manchester City twice this season, took the lead both times, and scored four goals. Their problem, however, remains keeping City quiet. If they can frustrate them at Wembley, and take the lead once more, then their fans may finally believe that their time has come and a major trophy is on its way back to Selhurst Park. 

However, if we dive a little deeper, Manchester City haven’t lost against Crystal Palace since 2021 – eight matches ago. Yet a 2-0 win at the Etihad – a season when City finished as Premier League winners with 93 points – is another sign that Palace are not scared of taking the game to Guardiola’s team. 

Crystal Palace squad  

Crystal Palace’s squad has shown remarkable depth and resilience throughout their FA Cup campaign. Key players have stepped up when needed, and the team’s collective spirit has been evident in their performances. 

Ismaïla Sarr and Eberechi Eze 

Attacking players Ismaïla Sarr and Eberechi Eze will be Palace’s main chances of success at Wembley. Both stole the show and were on the scoresheet against Aston Villa in the semi-final, but it is the latter player who heads to the national stadium in fine form. 

Eze has scored five goals in his last five matches, scoring consecutively against Arsenal, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old is in demand for a potential move this summer, with Manchester City the club that has expressed the most interest, and a solid display in front of Guardiola could see a hefty bid put on the table in the next window. 

Operating as Palace’s number 10, Eze glides around the pitch, finding dangerous areas to strike in and around the box. Solid on set pieces, as well as comfortable from the penalty spot, the England international would love to be the hero for Palace – and write his name in history – before potentially moving on in a few weeks’ time. 

Sarr joined Palace in August 2024, and it was the pace and flair that he brought to their attack that caught the eye. His two goals and assist in the semi-final against Aston Villa highlighted his potential to be a game-changer in the final. No doubt the Senegalese international will be dreaming of replicating that performance against City. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta 

However, Palace also have a towering, powerful striker who they can call upon. Step up Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French forward’s physical presence will cause City’s defence plenty of issues, but he’s also a constant threat in front of goal. With 14 Premier League goals to his name, he’s yet to score in the FA Cup, but all that could change on Saturday – and one goal could see him go down as a Palace legend for eternity. 

Rest of the squad 

All these players are led by manager Oliver Glasner, who has instilled a balanced approach within the team, combining solid defensive organisation with dynamic attacking play.  

The squad’s adaptability and determination will be key factors in their pursuit of FA Cup glory. Glasner masterminded a superb win against Aston Villa in the semi-finals at Wembley, and no doubt he has watched City closely in recent weeks and will be looking to exploit any weaknesses. 

Manchester City squad 

Manchester City have been going through a huge transitional period that has seen them trophy-less at this stage of the season, and manager Pep Guardiola will be taking the FA Cup final incredibly seriously – perhaps more than he has in previous seasons. 

Although they have failed to retain their Premier League title and were embarrassed by Real Madrid in the Champions League, it will still be a huge shock if they finish the season without a trophy. This is not what the fans – and Guardiola – have become accustomed to. 

However, Manchester City’s squad still has a wealth of talent and experience, with a sprinkle of youth players forcing their way into the squad, and this makes them formidable opponents heading into this match. Their journey to the FA Cup final has been characterised by clinical performances and tactical flexibility – especially against Bournemouth in the quarter-finals.  

Erling Haaland 

Fortunately for Guardiola and City fans, Erling Haaland has returned from injury just in time to play his part on Saturday. The Norwegian forward has missed numerous matches in recent weeks, but 30 goals to his name across all competitions makes him one of the most dangerous strikers across the globe. 

Palace fans will be hoping he’s a little rusty, but given half a yard inside the box, Haaland doesn’t miss often. 

Kevin De Bruyne 

In behind and potentially saying goodbye to the club is Kevin De Bruyne. Despite having suffered several injuries during his final years at the club, the legendary midfielder’s vision and passing range still allow him to dictate the flow of the game.

His creativity in the middle of the park can unlock even the most organised defences – and after almost a decade at City, the Belgian will want to bow out with yet another trophy with his beloved team. 

Rúben Rias 

Hoping to stop Palace scoring quickly once more will be centre-back Rúben Rias. The strong, powerful defender provides stability and leadership to Guardiola’s defence, and his battle with Mateta is going to be very intriguing. City fans will be hoping that his experience will see him come out on top. 

Rest of the squad 

 It has been a season to forget for manager Pep Guardiola, but his Manchester City side have developed a reputation for possession-based football and relentless pressing, and we saw this as recently as last month when they hammered Palace at the Etihad.  

Their tactical discipline and individual brilliance make them one of the most formidable teams in Europe on their day – and it will be no surprise to see them come out on top at Wembley on Saturday afternoon. 

Prediction for the final 

The FA Cup final is being positioned as a David vs Goliath scenario, largely due to the fact that Crystal Palace have never won a major trophy in their history. They came close nine years ago against Manchester United, but since that appearance back in 2016, Manchester City have dominated English football and collected trophies for fun under Guardiola’s leadership. 

Therefore, it’s no real surprise to see that despite City having struggled this campaign, they are as short as 1.50 to win inside 90 minutes – and are 1.20 to lift the trophy after extra-time or penalties. 

In the David vs Goliath scenario, this makes Palace David – which is reflected in their price. As big as 6.0 to spring a surprise once again at Wembley, the bookmakers don’t envision the Eagles beating Manchester City for the first time in five years. 

Despite coming close – twice – this season, City have bounced back to reverse losing positions, and if they can take the lead for the first time this season against Palace, it could be as easy as it was against Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals. The neutrals, however, will be hoping that Palace can make it more interesting than that, and keep the magic of the FA Cup alive before it’s too late. 

For those looking to back a goal scorer on the day, it’s no surprise to see Erling Haaland at the top of the market. He’s 1.80 to score anytime, though if you fancy Eze to continue his fine form, the 26-year-old is 4.50 to get on the scoresheet once again at Wembley. 

If you fancy both teams to get on the scoresheet – which has happened comfortably both times this season – the bookmakers have that priced at 1.70, or 1.72 for over 2.5 match goals, if you are unsure which way this game will go. 

Many neutrals will be siding with Crystal Palace, who will be aiming to upset the established order of Manchester City. While the City squad’s depth and experience make them favourites, Palace’s recent form and determination suggest they will not go down without a fight. 

For those who are looking to place a bet, it’s best to head over to Tonybet. With hundreds of markets available for the FA Cup final, ranging from: 

• Correct scores 

• Goal scorers, 

• Eventual winners  

• Bet builders 

Tonybet offers everything you need to place your bet hassle-free. Remember to gamble responsibly.  

You can keep up to date with Tonybet for all the major footballing events across the year, starting with the FA Cup final this weekend.