The FA Cup final takes place at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, May 18, with Crystal Palace and Manchester City contesting the decider.
In what is the 144th edition of the oldest football competition in the world, Pep Guardiola’s team will be viewed by many as favourites, but Oliver Glasner’s side will be out to secure glory for the Eagles in what would be their first-ever major trophy success.
The Selhurst Park club won the old First Division in 1994, and before that, they won the Second Division title during the 1970s.
There has been no such drought for the blue side of Manchester with Citizens lifting more than 15 major trophies over the last decade, including six Premier League titles, and a coveted Champions League crown in 2023.
The wheels came off to an extent at the Etihad Stadium this season, and with Liverpool running away with the league title and Real Madrid ending their European campaign, the FA Cup represents the last chance of silverware this season for City.
Not since Guardiola’s first season at the club have they failed to win any silverware.
The quickest goal in #FACup final history ⏱️🤯
🩵 @IlkayGuendogan pic.twitter.com/esmBi7YlrR
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 15, 2025
FA Cup Final odds and bet specials
Man City go into the Wembley showpiece in relatively strong form with four wins from the last five games, including a comprehensive 5-2 home league victory over Palace last month.
They are strong favourites for the decider, with bet365 giving odds 4/11 for a Blue Moon rising, while the South London underdogs are priced at 11/5.
Austrian coach Glasner tasted major glory leading former club Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League in 2022, so he has experience of getting the job done.
He has taken the FA Cup seriously all season, and with his side putting in an excellent performance to deservedly beat Aston Villa 3-0 in the semi-final, a repeat display could be enough to take the famous old trophy back to Croydon.
Palace go into the decider on an upturn of form, unbeaten in their last five games, including two wins. The last time the teams met in the FA Cup was in the 2016/17 season, with the Blues recording a 3-0 away victory.
Ladbrokes have Manchester City at odds of 2/5 to lift the trophy in the event of extra time or penalties, with Palace ranked at 9/5 to secure the FA Cup at any time.
A couple of intriguing price boost selections from the same bookie are for Manchester City to be ahead after 15 minutes (17/4), while you can get Crystal Palace to lead at any time in normal time at 11/8.
Ladbrokes are also offering a Super Price Boost for Ebereche Eze and Erling Haaland Both To Score Anytime (within 90 mins) at a massive 8/1.
Fancy an outside punt, Sky Bet are offering RequestABet odds of 66/1 for Crystal Palace to have the most shots on target in each half and Manchester City to have the most fouls committed in each half.
You can also get Haaland and Mateta to have 5+ shots on target & Guehi and Silva each to be carded in 90 mins at a whopping 350/1.
Over at Paddy Power, you will get your money back if your Bet Builder loses on the FA Cup final, as long as you pick four legs at a minimum of 1/2.
Betfred has a new customer offer to bet £10 and get £50 in free bets, while Parimatch is offering odds of 40/1 for either team to win in 90 minutes.
Terms apply to all bets. See the respective outlets for further information, all of which was correct at the time of writing.
Always bet responsibly.
The FA Cup Final.
For South London. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/bMDe65OprB
— Palace for Life (@PalaceForLife) May 16, 2025
On the eve of the final, Pep Guardiola praised City’s opponents and the overall occasion.
“It is a fantastic team,” he said.
“They (Crystal Palace) have had a good season, second part. More than a year with Oliver (Glasner) working with the same players.
His counterpart insisted that, “We’re focused on what we want to do tomorrow at Wembley. We analysed Man City, but 90% we were talking about us,” said Glasner.
“This is what we can influence. We can influence our performance. We can influence what we want to do in and out of possession. And the focus was on our game. We have a lot of confidence and looking forward to the final,” he added.
As anticipation builds for this Saturday’s @emiratesfacup Final between Crystal Palace & Manchester City, we're marking the occasion with a brand-new match ball.
A complete silver finish – a first in Mitre’s history – and a nod to the iconic trophy. #DifferentLeague pic.twitter.com/bzIB8vF2TN
— Mitre Sports (@MitreSports) May 12, 2025
The road to Wembley for Crystal Palace and Manchester City
Third Round
- Crystal Palace 1-0 Stockport County
- Manchester City 8-0 Salford City
Fourth Round
- Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Crystal Palace
- Leyton Orient 1-2 Manchester City
Fifth Round
- Crystal Palace 3-1 Millwall
- Manchester City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle
Quarter Final
- Fulham 0-3 Crystal Palace
- Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City
Semi-Final
- Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa
- Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City
The 2025 FA Cup Final will be screened live in the UK by both BBC and ITV, with the kick-off at 4.30pm BST.
International viewers should check the relevant listings for local broadcasters and kick-off time.
Image credit: EmiratesFACup
