The FA Cup final is upon us, and Wembley Stadium is buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 showdown between Crystal Palace and Manchester City on May 17. Kicking off at 4:30 PM BST, this match promises high stakes, raw emotion, and a shot at history. Palace, chasing their first major trophy in 120 years, face a City side desperate to salvage a turbulent season. With the latest news swirling—Eberechi Eze’s scintillating form, Kevin De Bruyne’s final City appearance, and Oliver Glasner’s bold tactical claims—this final is more than a game; it’s a narrative of belief versus pedigree.
FA Cup Final: Palace’s Faithful Rise
Crystal Palace’s journey to the FA Cup final is a tale of grit and faith. Under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles have soared, dismantling Fulham 3-0 and Aston Villa 3-0 in the quarters and semis. Eberechi Eze, with five goals in his last four games, is the heartbeat of this squad, his flair epitomized by a semi-final strike against Villa. Glasner’s confidence is infectious; after a 5-2 league loss to City, he warned Pep Guardiola: “If we meet again, you can’t play this system.” Palace’s back-five setup, paired with Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s counter-attacking threat, could exploit City’s vulnerabilities. For fans like NBC’s Rebecca Lowe, a lifelong Palace supporter, this match is personal—a chance to end decades of near-misses, having lost to Manchester United in 1990 and 2016. A win secures Europa League football, a tantalizing prize for a club on the cusp of greatness.
FA Cup Final: City’s Last Stand
Manchester City, odds-on favorites at 4/11, arrive wounded but dangerous. Erling Haaland called this season “horrific,” with City surrendering the Premier League and crashing out of the Champions League early. The FA Cup final is their lifeline to avoid a trophy-less campaign, a rarity since 2016-17. Kevin De Bruyne, set to depart after a decade, seeks one last hurrah, while young stars like Nico O’Reilly could shine. Pep Guardiola, humbled by injuries and inconsistency, views the FA Cup as “the most beautiful domestic cup.” Yet, City’s aura feels fragile—last year’s final loss to United still stings. Palace’s knack for troubling City, scoring twice in their last four meetings, suggests an upset isn’t impossible.
Key Players to Watch
| Team | Player | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | Eberechi Eze | In-form playmaker with 5 goals in 4 games. |
| Manchester City | Kevin De Bruyne | Final City appearance; a proven big-game star. |
| Crystal Palace | Jean-Philippe Mateta | Lethal on the counter; key to Palace’s attack. |
| Manchester City | Erling Haaland | Seeks to end “horrific” season with a trophy. |
Why This Final Matters
The FA Cup final isn’t just about silverware; it’s about legacy. For Palace, it’s a chance to etch their name in history, fueled by a squad bonded by faith and Glasner’s vision. City, meanwhile, face a defining moment—can they reclaim their swagger? With Wembley hosting the women’s final on Sunday (Chelsea vs. Manchester United), the weekend is a celebration of football’s soul. Fans can catch the action on BBC One, ITV1, or ESPN+, with coverage starting at 3:25 PM BST. As kickoff nears, the question looms: will Palace’s dream triumph, or will City’s experience prevail? One thing’s certain—this final will keep you glued till the final whistle.