Wembley Stadium is set to host the 144th FA Cup Final on Saturday at 4:30pm, as Crystal Palace face Manchester City. This marks Palace’s first appearance in the final since 2016, offering them a chance to secure their maiden FA Cup triumph. Manchester City, on the other hand, aim to clinch their third consecutive FA Cup title, as they’ve come to make Wembley a second home in recent years.

In this post, we will be looking at the key points ahead of the game on Saturday, including the team news at time of writing, route to the final, the recent form of both teams and then our prediction for the game. As always, you can get in touch with us on our social media platforms with your predictions for the game, and who you think will be taking the trophy away from Wembley.

Team News

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has revitalized the team since his appointment in February 2024. Key players include Eberechi Eze, who has been instrumental in their cup run, and Ismaïla Sarr, who has contributed significantly in recent matches. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, after recovering from a serious head injury sustained in the fifth round, has returned to form, scoring crucial goals in the league. Midfielder Daichi Kamada is available after serving a three-match suspension, providing Glasner with additional options in midfield.

Manchester City have welcomed back Erling Haaland from injury, although he showed signs of rust in a recent goalless draw against Southampton. Manager Pep Guardiola may consider rotating his squad, with players like Omar Marmoush and James McAtee providing depth. However, City face defensive concerns with Nathan Ake sidelined due to a hamstring injury and Manuel Akanji’s fitness in doubt. Phil Foden remains unavailable due to bronchitis, potentially impacting City’s attacking options.

Route To The Final

Crystal Palace:

• 3rd Round: 1–0 vs Stockport County (H)
• 4th Round: 2–0 vs Doncaster Rovers (A)
• 5th Round: 3–1 vs Millwall (H)
• Quarter-Final: 3–0 vs Fulham (A)
• Semi-Final: 3–0 vs Aston Villa (N)

Palace’s cup journey has been marked by solid performances, with Eze and Sarr playing pivotal roles in their progression. Under Oliver Glasner, every player in their squad has stepped up a level and at potentially the right time to see them get success on Saturday.

Manchester City:

• 3rd Round: 8–0 vs Salford City (H)
• 4th Round: 2–1 vs Leyton Orient (A)
• 5th Round: 3–1 vs Plymouth Argyle (H)
• Quarter-Final: 2–1 vs Bournemouth (A)
• Semi-Final: 2–0 vs Nottingham Forest (N)

City’s path to the final has showcased their attacking prowess, with contributions from a range of players, including McAtee and Doku in the absence of Haaland for large periods of 2025.

Recent Form

Crystal Palace have been in impressive form, securing six wins in their last seven Premier League matches, including notable victories over Manchester United and Aston Villa. They made light work of their semi-final opponents Villa as they looked comfortable in front of a raucous Wembley atmosphere.

Manchester City’s recent form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a goalless draw against already-relegated Southampton, which dented their Champions League qualification hopes, and while they will be putting a lot of expectation in this game to end the disappointing season with some silverware, they will need to overlook their last outing where they failed to break down the Southampton defence.

Prediction

While Manchester City bring experience and a track record of success to the final, Crystal Palace’s recent form and momentum cannot be overlooked. Under Glasner’s guidance, Palace have demonstrated resilience and attacking flair. Given that both teams have seen an upturn in form in the closing stages of the season, I still believe that Palace have a togetherness within their side that they feel confident in taking on this City side, and that can reduce in some key moments that give them the edge in what will be a pretty close encounter.

Prediction: Manchester City 1–2 Crystal Palace

As always, let us know how you see the game playing out this weekend, and you can share all your predictions with us on our social media platforms.