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Saturday’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace is about more than just silverware. It’s a crossroads moment for two clubs on very different journeys.
For Man City, it’s a chance to salvage pride after a season that’s failed to meet their standards. Pep Guardiola admitted that winning at Wembley won’t erase the frustration of recent months, but it would “avoid bigger damage.” More importantly, for the beloved Kevin De Bruyne, it’s one last dance at Wembley in a City shirt.
Meanwhile, for Palace, it’s the opportunity to win a major trophy for the first time in their history. So, amid high-stakes drama, here are three key talking points and betting angles ahead of the final.
Manchester City seek salvation
After the historic treble two seasons ago, City have fallen short at home and in Europe, surrendering the Premier League title and crashing out of the Champions League early. Now, the only chance to salvage pride and end the season on a high note lies in winning this weekend’s FA Cup final.
Their dip is reflected by the numbers: more league losses than in any of their past three campaigns, a drop in pressing intensity and defensive instability due to injuries. That fragility gives Oliver Glasner’s side some hope, which the bookmakers have picked up on. Both teams to score (BTTS) and over 2.5 goals are priced at 13/20, hinting at a potentially open game.
City remain favourites overall, but margins matter. A one-goal City win is 13/5, two goals is 4/1, and City to win with BTTS is 23/10. Palace, priced at 13/2 in the same market, could make life uncomfortable due to the brilliance of Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Frenchman has netted 14 goals this season and is 7/1 to score first and 23/10 anytime on Saturday. If the Citizens can keep the 27-year-old under wraps and do what’s needed on the other end of the pitch, it would spare them the sting of ending the year empty-handed.
Third time’s a charm for Crystal Palace?
Palace return to Wembley for their third FA Cup final, having lost both previous attempts to Manchester United. This time, they face a more vulnerable Man City. Could third time be the charm?
Palace arrive as underdogs. Glasner has revitalized the South London side since his February 2024 appointment, and his attacking trio is thriving at the right time. Eberechi Eze has five goals in his last four games in all competitions, and is an enticing 3/1 pick for the anytime scorer market. With Mateta leading the line and semi-final hero Ismaïla Sarr — who scored twice against Aston Villa — joining Eze in attack, Palace have enough firepower to seriously test a depleted City backline.
It’s worth mentioning that expectations are different for both teams. For Palace, this isn’t about defending reputation or avoiding “damage,” but about making history. The Eagles have never won a major trophy in their century-old existence. A win on Saturday would be a milestone moment for the club.
So, what’s the Eagles’ game plan? With pressure mounting on City, Glasner will hope to drag the game deep. A draw after 90 minutes is priced at 7/2, and if it goes the distance, Palace to win on penalties is 12/1 — long odds, but not impossible for a team playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Can KDB earmark his farewell party with a goal?
Saturday’s final marks De Bruyne’s last appearance in a Man City shirt at Wembley — a nostalgic send-off for one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. With his contract expiring and a summer move incoming, the stage is set for the Belgian maestro to deliver one more symphony on English soil.
It hasn’t been the farewell season De Bruyne imagined, from his injuries to City’s dip in performance. The 33-year-old’s recent form has shown flashes of his old brilliance, but he’s struggled for rhythm and fitness all campaign.
Tournament finals also haven’t been kind to City’s No 17. From injury-forced exits in back-to-back Champions League finals to a dismal showing in last year’s FA Cup loss to Man United, there’s a lingering myth that he fails to show up when it matters most. But the overall narrative tells a different story: De Bruyne has been the driving force behind City’s domestic dominance. Saturday’s showpiece offers one last chance to write his ending, by orchestrating play or getting on the scoresheet.
De Bruyne to score anytime is 16/5, with scoring first at 9/1 — not the most generous odds, but worth considering given the bigger picture. With emotions running high and the desire to leave his mark, he may come out firing. Is it a sentimental bet? Maybe. But football has a funny way of rewarding its greats with poetic endings.
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(Photo of Kevin De Bruyne: Carl Recine / Getty Images)