FA Cup Final 2025: Crystal Palace to Face Manchester City at Wembley on May 17
The stage is set for the 2025 FA Cup Final as Crystal Palace prepare to take on reigning champions Manchester City, with the showdown scheduled for Saturday, 17 May at Wembley Stadium. Kick-off is slated for 4:30 PM BST, and all eyes will be on London as two clubs with very different histories battle for the oldest trophy in English football.
🏟️ Match Details
- Fixture: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester City
- Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
- Kick-off: 4:30 PM BST
- Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
- Broadcast: BBC One and ITV1 in the UK, ESPN+ in the U.S.
Wembley’s arch will once again be the backdrop for a dramatic finale, with both sides chasing glory but for vastly different reasons.
🔵 Man City: Eyeing Another Domestic Crown
Manchester City return to Wembley looking to defend their FA Cup title and potentially add another jewel to an already crowded trophy cabinet. Pep Guardiola’s side has looked ruthless throughout the tournament, brushing aside top-flight opposition with ease.
- Looking to secure their 8th FA Cup title
- Could be part of a domestic double or treble depending on Premier League and Champions League outcomes
- Star performers: Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Rodri
City’s midfield dominance and high press will be key to controlling a Palace side hungry for a fairytale finish.
🔴 Crystal Palace: The Ultimate Underdog Story
For Crystal Palace, this is just their second FA Cup Final appearance since 1990, and they’ll arrive at Wembley with a squad full of belief and ambition. After upsetting several Premier League sides en route to the final, the Eagles are one win away from club history.
- First FA Cup Final appearance in 35 years
- Managed by Oliver Glasner, who’s instilled structure and resilience
- Key players: Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen
“We respect City, but we’re not here for the occasion we’re here to win,” said Glasner ahead of the final.
📚 A Clash of Eras and Styles
- City: Fluid, possession-heavy, built on depth and execution
- Palace: Disciplined, counter-attacking, driven by heart and momentum
- The last time these teams met: 2–2 thriller at Selhurst Park in March
With Wembley’s pitch offering space for both tactics to flourish, expect a high-tempo, emotionally charged final especially if Palace can keep it close past the hour mark.
📰 Final Thoughts
The 2025 FA Cup Final brings together two distinct footballing narratives Manchester City’s continued pursuit of dominance, and Crystal Palace’s dream of writing history. Whether it ends in a coronation or a Cinderella story, Wembley is set for a classic.
