Frank Christian
Manchester City is competing in the FA Cup final for the third time in a row, aiming to secure the prestigious trophy for the eighth time in their history.
In contrast, Crystal Palace is striving for its first major cup victory, having previously lost in the finals to Manchester United in both 1990 and 2016.
Kevin De Bruyne has consistently been a standout figure in English football and hopes to conclude his illustrious City career with another winners’ medal.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boasts a skilled team, featuring England stars Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, and Adam Wharton, all of whom are likely to attract transfer interest this summer.
Following Manchester City’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Southampton last week, Oliver Glasner’s squad recognizes the opportunity to achieve something significant.
Crystal Palace vs. Man City FA Cup final lineups, confirmed starting 11, team news
Adam Wharton is Palace’s key injury concern as he continues to recover from minor ankle ligament issues ahead of the weekend.
Other than that, Palace is nearly at full strength. Eberechi Eze along with wing-backs Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell previously caused City considerable trouble before the team faced a harsh defeat at the Etihad last month.
Glasner acknowledged he made an error by substituting Jean-Phillipe Mateta without bringing on another specialist forward during halftime in Manchester. Mateta had netted in both fixtures against City last season.
Crystal Palace predicted lineup (3-4-3, right to left): Henderson (GK) — Richards, Lacroix, Guehi — Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell — Sarr, Mateta, Eze
Injured: Wharton (ankle, questionable), Riad (ACL), Doucoure (knee)
Suspended:
After City’s 5-2 victory over Palace at the Etihad last month, Glasner confidently informed Guardiola that he would adapt his strategies for the cup final, offering better solutions for their next encounter.
This recent triumph — along with City’s positive form following the March international break — occurred without the presence of Erling Haaland. Thus, the Eagles’ manager can expect a very different challenge this time. Despite a quiet performance against Southampton, the star player is expected to start, accompanied by Kevin De Bruyne, likely enjoying a final appearance at Wembley.
Omar Marmoush, who took a breather against Southampton, is anticipated to return, while there is one spot in the attacking quartet available. Phil Foden and James McAtee didn’t strengthen their cases at St Mary’s, whereas Savinho and Jeremy Doku have mostly played as substitutes lately. Jack Grealish has been an integral part of City’s journey to the final, but given his limited appearances in Premier League matches, a starting role may not be likely.
Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly may return to enhance the offense from the backline, while Stefan Ortega is likely to replace Ederson in goal, which is customary for City’s domestic cup fixtures.
Man City (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly — Kovacic, Silva — Foden, De Bruyne, Marmoush — Haaland
Injured: Rodri (ACL), Stones (thigh), Ake (foot), Bobb (hamstring)
Suspended: None
Crystal Palace vs. Man City live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch the 144th FA Cup final across different regions worldwide:
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | — | ESPN+ |
| Canada | — | Sportsnet |
| UK | BBC One, ITV | BBC iPlayer, ITV X |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | JioTV, Sony LIV |
