Daijiworld Media Network- London
London, May 16: Football fans are in for a thrilling climax at Wembley this Saturday as Crystal Palace chase their first-ever major trophy, while Manchester City aim to salvage a disappointing season in the FA Cup Final showdown.
Having twice finished as runners-up in the prestigious competition; Palace sense destiny may finally be on their side. With 119 years of history behind them and not a single major silverware in the cabinet, the Eagles are set to face Pep Guardiola’s side, who appear far from their dominant best this season.
Palace, led by Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, come into the final full of belief after a confident 2-0 win over Tottenham. Their FA Cup journey has been impressive, including a statement 3-0 semifinal win over Aston Villa, Champions League quarter-finalists. A win would also grant Palace a first-ever ticket to European competition via the Europa League.
Star midfielder Eberechi Eze, who has netted five goals in his last four games, is expected to be a key figure in the final. Speaking ahead of the clash, Eze said, “It means everything. We know what it means to the fans and the club. We’re going to give everything to put ourselves in the best position.”
Palace’s starting XI is likely to feature four England internationals who were part of the Euro 2024 final squad – Eze, Dean Henderson, Marc Guehi, and Adam Wharton – a testament to the club’s growing profile.
On the other side, Manchester City find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The Premier League giants have endured what Erling Haaland called a "horrendous" season, failing to dominate as they have in previous years. City's last hope of silverware rests on the FA Cup – a must-win if they are to avoid their first trophyless season since Guardiola’s debut campaign in 2016-17.
Despite a 0-0 draw at bottom-placed Southampton last week, City have shown resilience, notably coming back from 2-0 down to thrash Palace 5-2 in the league last month. That comeback was led by Kevin De Bruyne, who is now playing his final few matches for City after a decade filled with glory.
“He has had an incredible time at Manchester City,” Haaland said about the Belgian playmaker. “Hopefully he will get one more trophy.”
De Bruyne will be eager to lift what could be his 15th major honour with the club, while Haaland, now fit again after a six-week injury layoff, is expected to lead the attack.
While City are unbeaten in their last 10 matches, anything short of a victory at Wembley will be seen as a failure for a team that has set the benchmark in English football for years.
With history on the line for Palace and pride at stake for City, Saturday’s FA Cup Final promises high drama, passion, and potentially, a fairy-tale ending for one side.