Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City Tips and Odds – 17/05/2025

• Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
• Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

Match Preview

The 2025 FA Cup final brings together two clubs with contrasting histories and ambitions. Crystal Palace, making only their third appearance in an FA Cup final, are seeking their first major trophy after a remarkable cup run. Manchester City, in their 14th final and third consecutive appearance, are aiming to bounce back from last year’s heartbreak and secure their eighth FA Cup triumph.

Palace’s journey to Wembley has been nothing short of sensational. Under Oliver Glasner, they have blended tactical discipline with attacking flair, conceding just one goal en route to the final. Their 3-0 demolition of Aston Villa in the semi-final showcased their ability to rise to the occasion, with Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr starring. In all competitions, Palace are unbeaten in their last five matches, including a 2-0 win at Tottenham and a 3-0 cup win over Villa, highlighting their current form and confidence.

Manchester City’s route was less spectacular but equally effective. Pep Guardiola’s side started with an 8-0 thrashing of Salford City and overcame tricky ties against Leyton Orient, Plymouth, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest. Their 2-0 semi-final win over Forest was a display of control and professionalism. However, City’s league form has been patchy by their standards, with a recent 0-0 draw at Southampton and a run of two games without a win, despite being unbeaten in ten.

Team news could play a crucial role. Palace are missing key midfielders Cheick Doucouré and Adam Wharton, along with defender Chadi Riad, which means Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma will anchor the midfield. Their back three of Richards, Lacroix, and Guehi will be flanked by Munoz and Mitchell, with Eze and Sarr supporting the in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. Dean Henderson is set to start in goal. City, meanwhile, are still without midfield lynchpin Rodri, whose absence has forced Guardiola to shuffle his midfield, potentially giving Palace a glimmer of hope in the centre of the park.

The head-to-head record heavily favours City, who have won their last three FA Cup meetings with Palace by an aggregate of 18-4, and are unbeaten in the last seven encounters in all competitions. However, Palace have scored at least twice in each of their last four meetings with City, including a 2-2 draw and a 5-2 defeat this season, proving they can trouble the champions. City’s experience and quality make them favourites, but Palace’s momentum and fearless approach suggest this could be a far closer contest than the odds imply.

Key Players

• Crystal Palace:
  • Eberechi Eze – The creative heartbeat, scoring crucial goals in the cup run.
  • Ismaila Sarr – Match-winner in the semi-final, his pace is a constant threat.
  • Jean-Philippe Mateta – Leading scorer, physical presence up front.
• Manchester City:
  • Erling Haaland – The main goal threat, though recently out injured, always a danger.
  • Kevin De Bruyne – Orchestrates the attack, vital in big games.
  • Phil Foden – In sparkling form, capable of unlocking any defence.

Prediction

Manchester City’s pedigree and depth make them deserved favourites, but Palace’s form, confidence, and attacking output suggest they will not go quietly. Expect City to dominate possession, but Palace’s counter-attacking threat could make for a thrilling, high-scoring affair. Ultimately, City’s experience should see them edge it, but not without a real scare from the Eagles.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City.

Betting Markets

This final promises drama, goals, and the possibility of a historic upset. Whether you’re backing the favourites or dreaming of an Eagles fairytale, Wembley is set for a classic.