Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Kick-off: 4:30 PM BST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Broadcast: BBC One, ITV1, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, talkSPORT
🏆 A Historic Clash Awaits at Wembley
The 2025 FA Cup Final brings together a Premier League powerhouse and an underdog with everything to prove, as Manchester City take on Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium. Scheduled for a 4:30 PM BST kick-off, this clash promises drama, determination, and a shot at glory for two clubs with very different FA Cup legacies.
For Manchester City, this is another chance to add silverware to their modern era trophy cabinet. For Crystal Palace, it’s a shot at history—a first major trophy in their 119-year existence.
🔵 Manchester City: Determined to End on a High
Manchester City head into the final seeking redemption after a season that fell short of their lofty standards. A fourth-place finish in the Premier League and an early Champions League exit left fans disappointed. But lifting the FA Cup could restore pride and cap off the campaign on a winning note.
City’s FA Cup journey:
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3rd Round: Salford City 0–8 Man City
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4th Round: Leyton Orient 1–2 Man City
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5th Round: Plymouth Argyle 1–3 Man City
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Quarter-Final: Bournemouth 1–2 Man City
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Semi-Final: Nottingham Forest 0–2 Man City
With superstars like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne expected to start, Pep Guardiola’s side remains formidable despite key injuries. John Stones, Nathan Aké, and Rodri are all ruled out, but City’s depth ensures they remain favourites.
🔴 Crystal Palace: Eyes on a Historic First
Crystal Palace enter the FA Cup final for the third time in their history, still chasing their first major honour. Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, Palace have transformed into a thrilling, high-energy side with goals, flair, and a solid defensive core.
Palace’s FA Cup journey:
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3rd Round: Stockport County 0–1 Crystal Palace
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4th Round: Doncaster Rovers 0–2 Crystal Palace
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5th Round: Millwall 1–3 Crystal Palace
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Quarter-Final: Fulham 0–3 Crystal Palace
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Semi-Final: Aston Villa 0–3 Crystal Palace
Star man Eberechi Eze has scored in his last four appearances, while striker Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to cause chaos up front. Palace are boosted by the fitness of midfielder Adam Wharton, who returns from injury just in time to face City.
🔑 Key Battles
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Haaland vs Andersen/Guehi – Can the Palace centre-backs contain City’s goal machine?
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Eze vs Walker – A showdown between creativity and pace on the wing.
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Midfield control – Without Rodri, City’s midfield might be vulnerable. Wharton and Lerma could capitalise.
📺 Where to Watch
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TV: BBC One & ITV1
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Streaming: BBC iPlayer & ITVX
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Radio: talkSPORT
Fans across the UK can watch the match live for free, with expert commentary and build-up starting well before kick-off.
🧠 Tactical Outlook
Manchester City will dominate possession, pressing high and looking to stretch Palace’s defence with quick transitions and overloads on the flanks. Expect fluid rotations, with De Bruyne dictating the tempo.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will rely on compact defending and lightning-fast counter-attacks. Eze, Mateta, and Sarr have the pace and flair to exploit any lapses, especially on the break.
📊 Stats & Form Guide
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Manchester City have won the FA Cup 6 times, most recently in 2023.
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Crystal Palace have lost both of their previous FA Cup finals (1990, 2016).
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City have beaten Palace twice in the league this season, though both games were competitive.
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Palace have kept 4 clean sheets in 5 FA Cup games this campaign.
🔮 Prediction
Manchester City are the favourites on paper, with their experience and talent levels unmatched. However, Crystal Palace’s recent form, attacking spark, and underdog status make them dangerous.
Predicted Score:
Manchester City 2–1 Crystal Palace (AET)
Expect a tightly fought final that could go beyond 90 minutes. Palace will not make it easy, but City’s edge in quality might prove decisive in extra time.
📝 Final Thoughts
The magic of the FA Cup is alive and well, with the 2025 final shaping up as a compelling showdown between Premier League giants and ambitious challengers. Whether it’s City adding another chapter to their dynasty or Palace finally lifting silverware, Wembley will witness history today.