FA Cup Final: Will Crystal Palace End 120 Years of Pain or Bow to Man City's Reign?

The 144th FA Cup final is set to light up Wembley Stadium as Manchester City and Crystal Palace collide in a battle for history, pride — and silverware. For City, it’s a chance to lift their 8th FA Cup. For Palace? A shot at their first-ever major trophy in 120 years.

But this isn’t just another final — it’s David vs Goliath with both clubs arriving in top form. Palace are unbeaten in their last 5 matches and brushed Aston Villa aside 3-0 in the semis. City, meanwhile, have lost just once in 15 games and are desperate to avoid a trophyless season.

Crystal Palace are flying under Oliver Glasner. After cruising through the FA Cup with just one goal conceded, the Eagles are full of belief. They've scored 3 goals in each of their last three FA Cup games, with star man Eberechi Eze firing on all cylinders. Their most recent win — a clinical 2-0 away victory over Spurs — showed they can handle pressure. Sitting comfortably mid-table in the league, this final is all about glory. 

But let’s be real — Manchester City are still a machine. Pep Guardiola’s side has reached a record 7th straight FA Cup semi-final and dominated en route to the final, brushing aside the likes of Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth. Sure, they’ve had a rocky Premier League campaign, but City have made Wembley their second home — this will be their 31st appearance at the stadium since 2011. They’ve also won the last three FA Cup games against Palace with ease. 

City are unbeaten in their last 10 games (W7 D3). They've won their last three FA Cup meetings with Crystal Palace by a combined score of 18-4. Palace haven't beaten City in 7 straight meetings (D3 L4). City's Wembley experience (30+ matches since 2011) is unmatched.

City’s attack has averaged 2.5+ goals in the last 5 FA Cup ties. Palace have scored exactly 3 goals in each of their last 3 FA Cup games. FA Cup finals can be tense, but Palace’s openness and City’s firepower suggest goals are likely.

He has scored 5 goals in last 4 games and he is Palace’s most creative and dangerous threat — likely on pens and free-kicks too.

Palace are dreaming. City are determined. It’s a final that could go down in history for very different reasons. Will it be a first-ever trophy for the Eagles, or another feather in Pep’s cap?