Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: FA Cup Final Prediction (17.05.2025)

The FA Cup Final takes place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 21:00 WIB at Wembley Stadium in London, where Manchester City will face Crystal Palace in a decisive showdown. Bookmakers heavily favor the Citizens, giving them a 70% chance of lifting the trophy versus 30% for Crystal Palace, according to early odds. But is it really that clear-cut? Let’s break it down.

Manchester City

The season has been a mixed bag for Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City started strong in the Premier League, maintaining their usual dominance before falling into a lengthy mid-season slump. However, in recent weeks, the team has found its rhythm again. While a summer rebuild may be necessary, City are still in the hunt for silverware—and it starts here, with a win over Crystal Palace.

Expect City to control possession from the outset, playing their usual positional attacking football, focused on intricate passing combinations and territorial dominance in the final third.

Crystal Palace

Though not a contender in the Premier League standings, Crystal Palace have had a sensational FA Cup run, knocking out solid teams like Fulham and Aston Villa en route to the final. Despite a slight dip in form, Oliver Glasner’s squad remains dangerous and well-organized.

Palace are expected to sit deep and play on the counterattack, where their speed and ability on set-pieces could pose problems. Their compact defensive structure will be key.

Head-to-Head Stats

These two sides recently clashed in the Premier League on April 12, where Crystal Palace shocked City with two early goals in the first 20 minutes. But Kevin De Bruyne and Marmoush quickly equalized, and City eventually dominated, winning 5–2 at the Etihad. This final, however, takes place on neutral ground.

Prediction

Despite Palace’s fighting spirit, the edge clearly goes to Manchester City. Their recent head-to-head win boosts their confidence, and Guardiola’s tactical acumen should ensure they take control of the game. Palace may play cautiously after their previous loss, focusing more on defense than attacking ambition.

👉 Betting Tip: Manchester City to win – odds: 1.65