FA Cup Final 2025: Crystal Palace’s Historic Quest Against Manchester City
by Joseph King | by Cydias Aujard
Will David be able to topple Goliath?
The 144th edition of the FA Cup represents something important for both finalists. For Manchester City, the FA Cup would mean they have something to show for what has been a dreadful season overall. For Crystal Palace, they’re trying to win the first ever trophy in the club’s 119-year history.
Palace will be competing in just their third FA Cup final and once again will face off against a Manchester club. Their previous two appearances both ended in defeats (2016 and 1990) to Manchester United.
Let’s lay out a few reasons as to why Crystal Palace can become FA Cup champions this weekend (be sure to check out our FA Cup predictions).
Match-winners in Eze and Mateta
Palace will have to do the majority of their damage in open play on the counter attack given Guardiola’s possession-hungry style of play. Luckily for the Eagles, they have the players suited to that type of system. Their front three of Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta thrive in a quick transition game.
Eberechi Eze has been the standout performer this season for the Eagles.
The transfer rumors are beginning to swirl regarding the highly-rated 26-year-old. Eze has hit returns of 12 goals and 12 assists in 40 appearances, with three goals and an assist in four FA Cup matches. Leading the line, Jean-Philippe Mateta is the team’s leading scorer with 17 goals in 43 outings.
Strong second half of the season
Crystal Palace have turned a corner under manager Oliver Glasner and their results since the start of 2025 prove it.
Check out their record since January 1, 2025 across all competitions:
| Competition | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals scored | Goals conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 8 | 5 | 4 | 26 | 21 |
| FA Cup | 5 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 |
| Combined | 13 | 5 | 4 | 38 | 22 |
Set piece dominance
Palace have proven to be one of the league’s most dangerous teams from set pieces. They lead the Premier League with 16 dead ball goals – 11 of which have come from corner kicks. This very well may offer them an avenue to create a chance or two in the final. Working against them, however, is Manchester City’s excellent defensive set piece record.
Seemingly not the same City
City have lost the air of invincibility this season. Beaten down by numerous injuries and disappointing results, it’s been a season to forget for the blue half of Manchester. Should they falter against Crystal Palace, it would mark the first time since Guardiola’s debut season in Manchester (2016/17) that City failed to win silverware.
The case for the favorites
With all of that being said, there’s a reason why Manchester City come in as overwhelming favorites to lift the FA Cup for the second time in the last three years.
Here are a few reasons why the Sky Blues could clinch their eighth FA Cup title:
- Uptick in recent form: City are on a 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions ahead of this cup final, seven of which have ended in victories. While they were held to a 0-0 draw against Southampton in their last outing, the Citizens had previously ripped off five straight wins.
- The return of a certain Norwegian striker: Erling Haaland returned to action after more than a month on the sidelines by playing the full 90 minutes against Southampton last weekend. Despite having what might be considered a down year due to the ridiculously high standard that he has set, Haaland still has an excellent return of 30 goals in 41 appearances this season.
- Recent head-to-head dominance: These two sides faced off just over one month ago at the Etihad. In that match, Palace got out to a 2-0 lead within the first 25 minutes, only for City to storm back with five straight goals to wrap up a convincing 5-2 victory. Crystal Palace haven’t actually managed to beat the Citizens in almost four years. In the last seven meetings between these clubs, Manchester City won four and drew three.
Make no mistake, there is certainly pressure on the City players here to avoid a trophyless season, something that has been almost unheard of in the career of Pep Guardiola. While they’re understandably the favorites, Crystal Palace have the tools to cause them some problems. Either way, it’s going to be a great spectacle and is one of this weekends can’t-miss games!
