As the 2024–25 football season nears its dramatic close, the stage is set for the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on May 17. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are eyeing a major domestic trophy after a turbulent campaign and Crystal Palace seek their first-ever FA Cup title. This year’s final promises high-quality football and a clash of narratives. That is a powerhouse looking to reaffirm dominance versus an ambitious underdog chasing historic glory.
City’s Season of Setbacks and Tactical Recalibration
Manchester City’s path to the final has unfolded against the backdrop of a challenging season. Though they’ve maintained a place within the Premier League’s top four, their title defense crumbled amid inconsistency and key injuries. At the time of writing, City sit fourth in the Premier League table with 65 points from 36 games- seventeen points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Their league form has lacked the sparkle of previous campaigns, and a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League has only deepened the sense of a team in transition.
Guardiola responded by reshaping the squad’s tactical identity. He focused on maximizing control in midfield and exploiting width through inverted full-backs like Rico Lewis. These changes paid dividends in the FA Cup, where City demonstrated their trademark dominance.
In their semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest, City dictated the tempo and sealed a 2-0 victory with composed performances from Lewis and Josko Gvardiol. The match reflected City’s depth and game intelligence.
Crystal Palace’s Bold Ascent Under Glasner
Crystal Palace, by contrast, arrive at Wembley as the season’s FA Cup surprise package. Under new manager Oliver Glasner, appointed in early 2024, the Eagles have experienced a tactical and psychological transformation. Glasner, known for his structured yet daring approach, instilled confidence in a squad previously marred by inconsistency.
Palace’s FA Cup journey has been nothing short of impressive. After eliminating Fulham and Millwall, they dispatched Doncaster and Stockport with relative ease. Their defining performance came in the semi-final where they dismantled Aston Villa 3-0. Goals from Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze showcased Palace’s attacking verve and clinical finishing.
This resurgence is built on a disciplined defensive setup and swift transitional play. Eze, in particular, has emerged as a talisman. Palace have also improved by leaps and bounds since Adam Wharton’s return, and their confidence and form cannot be underestimated going into the final.
Tactical Matchup and Key Personnel
The final will test both managers’ tactical flexibility. Guardiola is expected to return to his nuanced possession-based blueprint, likely fielding Bernardo Silva, Mateo Kovacic, and Jack Grealish in advanced midfield roles. The status of Rodri remains uncertain, with the Spanish international nursing a knee injury. According to the Spanish press, Guardiola has expressed cautious optimism about Rodri’s recovery.
Crystal Palace are likely to rely on their compact 3-4-2-1 formation, with Eze and Mateta tasked with breaking City’s defensive lines. If they can exploit City’s occasional vulnerability to counterattacks, Palace might find joy in wide areas and set pieces.
The physical condition of key players could also play a role. Erling Haaland recently returned from a minor ankle issue. On the other side, Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has quietly had a standout season and will be a key outlet against City’s high line.
Momentum and Betting Perspectives
Heading into the final, bookmakers have made Manchester City the clear favorite. Their history, squad depth, and tactical acumen give them an edge on paper. Recent performances and momentum however suggest this might not be the routine City win many expect. Crystal Palace’s run has defied expectations, and their attacking potency under Glasner has turned them into serious contenders. Those tracking the latest FA Cup odds will note a narrowing gap between the two sides, especially in light of City’s injury concerns and Palace’s semi final brilliance.
City’s experience in finals, both domestic and European, will serve them well, but if Palace can start strong and disrupt City’s rhythm, they could force the match into uncomfortable territory for Guardiola’s men. City need this win to frame the season as a partial success, while for Palace, victory would be immortalizing.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the trophy, this final carries significance for both clubs’ trajectories. For Manchester City, it’s a chance to reaffirm their domestic dominance and end the season on a positive note. A loss would raise questions about Guardiola’s future strategy and squad evolution.
For Crystal Palace, a win would redefine the club’s modern identity. The FA Cup Final offers a fitting crescendo and a battle between a juggernaut with something to prove and a dream chasing underdog on the brink of history. The football world will be watching!