Crystal Palace and Manchester City meet for the third time this season – but this time, the stakes are as high as they get. Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley promises fireworks, with both sides having delivered goal-packed encounters in the Premier League.
City are chasing their eighth FA Cup title and a much-needed piece of silverware after a turbulent season by their standards. Palace, meanwhile, are dreaming of lifting the famous old trophy for the first time, having lost in both of their previous final appearances (1990 and 2016).
Goals expected again at Wembley
The last two clashes between these sides ended 5-2 and 2-2 – and there’s plenty of reason to expect more goalmouth action. Over 2.5 goals has landed in each of the last four meetings, with both teams scoring at least twice in every game.
City have averaged 3.4 goals per-game in this season’s FA Cup run, while Palace aren’t far behind with 2.4. Finals can be cagey, but the last three involving City have all cleared the 2.5 line. That looks the most solid play again here.
Tip 1: Over 2.5 Goals – 4/5
Goals have flowed in recent meetings and City’s cup final history backs this up.
City’s class to shine through
Palace have impressed under Oliver Glasner and arrive in great form, unbeaten in five. But City are unbeaten in ten and have the big-game experience to make it count. With Kevin De Bruyne set to leave this summer, the squad will be motivated to deliver a send-off with silverware.
While the Eagles have caused problems for Guardiola’s side, expect City to come out on top – though it might not be straightforward.
Tip 2: Manchester City to Win – 8/11
City’s squad depth and experience should prove decisive over 90 minutes.
De Bruyne the difference-maker
Kevin De Bruyne has scored twice and assisted once in his last six appearances and already has an FA Cup final goal to his name. If this is his farewell match, he could mark it in style at Wembley once again.
Tip 3: Kevin De Bruyne to Score Anytime – 13/5
The Belgian maestro could cap off his City career with one last big moment.
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