FA CUP FINAL PREVIEW
Will it be Glasner's Glory or is Pep leaving here with something?
This year’s edition of the oldest club cup competition in the world has gotten to the final stage. Manchester City and Crystal Palace will contest the coveted prize at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 17 May 2025. Their roads to the final have been challenging, to say the least. Here’s a look at them.
CRYSTAL PALACE’S ROAD TO THE FINAL
The Eagles’ road to the final began with a visit from Stockport. An early Eberechi Eze goal was enough to send Palace to the fourth round of the cup. The Eagles then took on Doncaster Rovers away and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to Justin Devenny and Daniel Munoz. Progression to the fifth round meant that Palace had to host Millwall. The Eagles were comfortable 3-1 winners of the tie, earning their place in the quarter finals where they would play Fulham at the cottage. Goals from Eze, Sarr and Nketiah ensured Palace’s place in the semi-finals at Wembley. In the semi-finals, Palace’s dominance continued as they swept aside Unai Emery’s in-form Villa side 3-0. Eze crowned what was a stellar performance with a magnificent goal in the first half. This will be Crystal Palace’s first time in the FA Cup final since losing to Manchester United in 2016.
MANCHESTER CITY’S ROAD TO THE FINAL
Despite the Cityzens having a torrid season with respect to their standards, the FA Cup has been a tournament to remember for them. They’ve made it to the final for three years running. The Sky Blues' journey began with them hosting Salford City, handing them an 8-0 drubbing. Academy graduate James McAtee starred in that game, going home with the match ball. City then had to travel to Brisbane Road to take on Leyton Orient. An early own goal from Ortega handed City a temporary scare in the game, but they managed to pull off a comeback thanks to Khusanov and De Bruyne. Pep’s side then hosted Plymouth Argyle, who were coming off an unforgettable victory over Liverpool in the fourth round. City were imperious on the day, though, running out 3-1 winners despite the Pilgrims drawing first blood. In the quarter-finals, the Sky Blues headed to the Vitality to face Bournemouth, winning the game thanks to goals from Haaland and winter signing Marmoush. The semi-finals at Wembley saw City emerge victorious over Nottingham Forest. City will now be looking to make up for last season’s final loss to their bitter rivals Manchester United.
This final matchup is interesting to me solely based on the storylines leading up to the game. For one, Oliver Glasner and Palace would like to make history by winning the FA Cup. It would also be a reward for their resurgence in the second half of the season, considering the fact that they didn’t have the greatest of starts to the season. On the other hand, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola would love to make something out of the poor season they’ve had. It’s a chance for them to save face, understandably so, given the ridiculously high standard they’ve set the bar for themselves in the last 8 years.
Who do you think will clinch the cup on the 17th of May?
Though the sky blues are the favourites here,my support goes to the opponents.If palace beats Pep,the story is bigger and better.Looking forward to it courtesy of you.Thankyou for roadmap to the final for the two clubs.I love this.
Mmmmmh... what an analysis.
An entertaining one as well as one that ignites a nostalgic longing for the final.
As for me I root for the Sky Blues and Pep but that's all I can do.
They'll have to bail me out.
Thank you Owen for your amazing work.The world of Football is ready for you.Keep waving at them.