Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Three key battles that might decide FA Cup final 2024-25

A select few players from both clubs can be the key difference-makers in the final.

When English football grinds to a halt on Saturday, all eyes will be on Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

The details for the 2024-25 #EmiratesFACup Final have been confirmed! 🤩🗓️ Saturday 17 May⏰ 4.30pm KO (BST)

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 3, 2025

A win for Palace would make 2024–25 maybe the most important season in their history, while City are looking to turn around a poor season by their standards.

Three crucial battles between City and Palace players that could determine the FA Cup final will help you get closer to the game.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Three key battles that might decide the FA Cup final

3. Chris Richards vs Ederson 

The match on Saturday will include a number of intriguing one-on-one contests. However, the matchup between Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson may be one of the more underappreciated.

Richards, who has at least five shots in 11 of his past 14 games, presents Palace with a serious threat in set-piece scenarios. The centre back’s lone goal this season coincidentally came last month against Manchester City, when he headed a corner kick past Ederson. He will once be a big danger for City in the set-pieces.

2. Jean Philippe Mateta vs Ruben Dias

Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Frenchman who scored 19 goals across all competitions the previous season, has led the line with style this season. He has scored 17 goals and has formed a strong attacking three alongside Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze. Ahead of the cup final, the Palace striker boasts impressive reflexes, finishing technique with both feet.

The inspiring leader at the core of a City defence that has been cut and replaced at different stages during the season, Ruben Dias, has had a stop-start season due to injuries. He will be tasked to reduce Mateta’s influence in the game.

1. Eberechi Eze vs Matheus Nunes

Eberechi Eze, an English attacker, has scored five goals in his past four games across all competitions for Crystal Palace. In his last four cup appearances, he has also contributed to four goals (three goals, one assist).

He has given Palace an extra edge in the attack. His ability to outplay opponents is what makes him stand out in games. Eze is one of Palace’s most crucial players because of his eye for goal.

He will be seeking to exact revenge for their defensive blunder. Given that Eze plays from the left, Pep Guardiola will therefore start either Rico Lewis or Matheus Nunes at right-back. It will mostly be Nunes because of his versatility.

Guardiola will surely rely on the right-back to thwart Eze from causing any threat.

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