Frank Christian
Wembley is gearing up for an exciting face-off as Crystal Palace goes head-to-head with Manchester City in the FA Cup final—an unexpected contest that is sure to deliver plenty of excitement.
Since Oliver Glasner’s arrival, Palace has experienced a resurgence, climbing up to a commendable mid-table spot in the Premier League, accumulating 49 points over 36 matches and showing consistent performance throughout the season.
However, their run in the FA Cup has truly stood out, where they’ve eliminated both lower-division teams and top-tier rivals, securing a place in only their third FA Cup final. Victories against Stockport, Doncaster, Millwall, Fulham, and a resounding 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-finals have set them on the path to a remarkable upset.
Meanwhile, Manchester City arrives at this final facing significant challenges on several fronts. Under Pep Guardiola, they are in a tight race to secure Champions League qualification for next season, currently holding fourth place with 65 points, just ahead of their closest competitors.
City’s journey in the FA Cup has had its obstacles, yet they have demonstrated their strength with commanding wins against Salford (8-0), Leyton Orient, Plymouth, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest.
The Sporting News presents essential information regarding this fixture, including viewing options, kickoff timings, and the latest team updates.
Crystal Palace vs. Man City live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to catch this FA Cup final match in the U.K:
TV channel: ITV1, BBC One
Live stream: ITVX, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sports website
This match can be watched live on ITV1 and BBC One for free within the United Kingdom. Streaming is available via ITVX, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sports website.
What time does Crystal Palace vs. Man City kick off?
This FA Cup final is set to take place at the Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom, kicking off on Saturday, May 17, at 4:30 p.m. local time (BST).
Crystal Palace vs. Man City projected lineups, team news
Adam Wharton—a player previously linked with City—is the main injury concern for Palace as he works to recover from an ankle ligament issue.
Aside from that, Palace is almost at full strength. Eberechi Eze along with wing-backs Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell proved to be challenging opponents for City in their last clash before they were decisively defeated at the Etihad Stadium.
Glasner acknowledged he erred by substituting Jean-Phillipe Mateta without bringing in another forward during halftime against City. Mateta scored against City in both league matches last season.
Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-3, right to left): Henderson (GK) — Richards, Lacroix, Guehi — Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell — Sarr, Mateta, Eze.
Injuries: Wharton (ankle, doubtful), Riad (ACL), Doucoure (knee).
Suspensions: None.
After City’s 5-2 victory over Palace last month, Glasner confidently told Guardiola he would have to adjust his game plan if they met again in the cup final, claiming he would be better equipped to counter their style.
Considering that win—along with City’s impressive form post-international break—occurred without Erling Haaland, it’s expected that the City lineup will look quite different this time.
Despite a less impactful performance against Southampton, it’s highly likely that the star forward will make a start, with Kevin De Bruyne poised for a crucial role in support.
Omar Marmoush was rested in the previous match and is expected to return, while the last forward spot appears fiercely contested. Phil Foden and James McAtee didn’t show much promise in their last outing, and Savinho and Jeremy Doku have been primarily used as substitutes lately.
Jack Grealish has played an important part in City’s road to the final, but considering his limited appearances in league matches, a starting position seems unlikely.
Matheus Nunes and Nico O’Reilly may rejoin the squad to bolster the attack from defensive positions, while Stefan Ortega will likely step in for Ederson in goal, a customary choice for City in domestic cup matches.
Man City predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ortega (GK) — Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly — Kovacic, Silva — Foden, De Bruyne, Marmoush — Haaland.
Injuries: Rodri (ACL), Stones (thigh), Ake (foot), Bobb (hamstring).
Suspensions: None.
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