Overview
Man City was unexpectedly held to a draw by bottom-placed Southampton despite playing with many famous stars. This result ended the Citizens' streak of 5 consecutive wins in all competitions. However, they are still on a 10-match unbeaten streak, including a 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace despite being 0-2 behind.
Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne are both fit and ready for the FA Cup final. Despite being the weakest version of Man City in recent years, coach Pep Guardiola's team is still rated much higher than Crystal Palace. Head-to-head history also supports the Manchester representative when they won 4 and drew 3 in the last 7 times against Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace's form is relatively good, having won 2 and drawn 3 of their last 5 matches. In the most recent meeting, Crystal Palace led by 2 goals but still lost 2-5 to Man City. That defeat was only 1 month ago and in this reunion, coach Olivier Glasner's team will find it difficult to create a surprise.
The two teams have very different records in the FA Cup. Man City have won the tournament seven times, while another trophy would see them behind only Arsenal (14) and Manchester United (3) in the total FA Cup trophy tally.
In contrast, Palace have yet to win this FA Cup title. After losing to Man United in 1990 and 2016, they are one of only four clubs to have reached the final twice but have yet to win the championship.
Personnel situation
The possibility of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton playing is uncertain after the injury against Tottenham. Meanwhile, Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are still sidelined with long-term knee injuries.
On the other side of the front line, Man City will once again be without Rodri, Nathan Ake, Oscar Bobb and John Stones. De Bruyne is likely to start in the fourth FA Cup final and also his last final against Man City.
Expected lineup:
Man City: Ederson, Lewis, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Silva, Kovacic, McAtee, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland.
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Mitchell, Sarr, Eze, Mateta.
The match between Man City and Crystal Palace takes place at 22:30 on May 17 (Vietnam time).
