Crystal Palace on the Verge of Making History at the FA Cup Final Against Manchester City

Both teams are the counterpart of each other. While Guardiola’s players like to have the ball at all times, Palace plays for that one counter-attack to score goals, using their main player Eze’s skills to get past defenders at high speed.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson also played a key role, keeping a clean sheet with important saves when Villa tried to fight back.

Under manager Oliver Glasner, who took charge in early 2024 after years under the oldest active Premier League manager, Roy Hodgson, Palace has found new life. The team’s discipline and speed have turned them into a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 2–0 with the goals coming from Rico Lewis and Gvardiol.

The final, scheduled for May 17, will be Palace’s chance to finally lift a major trophy. Whether they can pull off one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history remains to be seen, but for now, the dream is alive in south London.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City is an unpredictable game

Both teams contrast each other. While Guardiola’s players like to have the ball at all times, Palace plays for that one counter-attack to score goals, using their main player Eze’s skills to get past defenders at high speed.

The last time the teams played each other, Man City won 5–2, coming back from a two-goal deficit in one of the best comebacks of the season so far at Etihad Stadium. On the other hand, when they first played in the 2024/25 season, it ended in a draw at Selhurst Park.

In 73 games played across all competitions, Man City has won 39, 17 ended in draws, and Palace has won 17. This will be the last time the teams meet this season, but this time it will be on a neutral field, at Wembley, where all domestic competition finals have been held for decades.

It may seem like an impossible task for Crystal Palace, especially given their recent results against top opposition, but the FA Cup is famous for producing miracles. In the last five years, five different teams have lifted the trophy—Arsenal in 2020, Leicester City in 2021, Liverpool in 2022, Manchester City in 2023, and Manchester United in 2024.

Underrated teams have often found a way to shine at Wembley, and Palace fans will be hoping history repeats itself.