CRYSTAL PALACE are taking on Manchester City in a stunning FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium!
The Eagles headed into the match on the back of a mixed season in the league, but have ended the campaign in good form.
2
Ian Wright playing in 1990 FA Cup final for Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
Palace boss Oliver Glasner has had a huge impact on the side since his arrival at Selhurst Park in February 2024.
Glasner said ahead of the FA Cup final: “I’m very pleased. Not just with the improvements, but I think with the environment we have created here at the training ground and also in the club.
“We are very ambitious, everyone is working very hard to progress, and this is the main reason why we are where we are now at the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola will be without Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and John Stones for this afternoon’s FA Cup final.
Kevin De Bruyne is set to feature in his fourth FA Cup final with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernando Silva and Nico Gonzalez battling to join him in midfield.
Guardiola will have a decision to make on the flanks, will he stick with Phil Foden and James McAtee or roll the dice with Jeremey Doku and Omar Marmoush?
Crystal Palace team news
The headline team news from the Palace camp is that Adam Wharton IS fit and available for selection after missing last weekend’s win at Tottenham with a twisted ankle.
Wharton will likely replace one of Will Hughes or Jefferson Lerma in the Eagles’ midfield two.
Eddie Nketiah will be pushing to get the nod ahead of Jean-Philippe Mateta with his impressive record in the FA Cup this season.
The 2020 FA Cup winner has been involved in a goal in each of his past three appearances (2G, 1A) in the competition, all as a substitute.
Good afternoon and welcome to SunSport’s live blog of the FA Cup final!
Crystal Palace take on Manchester City in today’s blockbuster Wembley showpiece.
The two sides are looking to get their hands on the iconic trophy for very different reasons.
Palace can claim the first piece of major silverware in the club’s 120-year history, while City are hoping to save their rare poor season.
The Eagles have fell at the final hurdle in the FA Cup twice, losing on both occasions to Manchester United in 1990 and 2016.
This Palace team is made up of a flurry of internationals and in-demand stars, and many fans believe this year could well be their year.
City are in search of their eighth FA Cup triumph and their second under Pep Guardiola.
The Cityzens have reached the final of the oldest football competition in the world for three straight years.
They will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United in last year’s final.
