Our Manchester City fan contributor was asked three questions before the FA Cup final:
How confident are you that City can win the trophy and what would it mean?
Who will be your game-changer?
Who or what concerns you most about Crystal Palace?
This is what Steven McInerney from Esteemed Kompany, external had to say...
Saturday's FA Cup final will see Manchester City take on Crystal Palace at Wembley.
But should the semi-finals of the competition still be played at Wembley?
Manchester City fan Amos and Crystal Palace fan Dan give us their thoughts on the latest edition of The Football News Show.
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesSaturday's FA Cup final could provide the dream send-off for Manchester City captain Kevin de Bruyne, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.
Victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley will give City some satisfaction in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
I asked City boss Pep Guardiola about the threats that the Eagles players will provide and he mentioned Eberechi Eze's "quality", Ismaila Sarr's "pace" and how "strong" Jean-Philippe Mateta is.
But one name of interest stood out.
Guardiola said: "[Adam] Wharton is a really good holding midfielder who links well inside."
Wharton is only 21 and his performances for Palace have led to a call-up into the England national team. He could form the platform for the Three Lions in the middle of the park for years to come.
With De Bruyne departing and 34-year-old Ilkay Gundogan not hitting the heights of his first spell, City are desperately in need of a midfield rebuild.
Along with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders, Wharton has been linked with a move to City in the summer.
Guardiola has clearly spotted the potential of the player and after being passed fit for the showpiece, Saturday may well be an opportunity for a City audition for Wharton.
Image source, Getty ImagesCrystal Palace captain Marc Guehi believes there is no such thing as an ideal time to play Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final, the England defender laughed off the idea that city had 'slipped off' and insisted Palace are prepared for a tough game:
"Have they slipped off, they are in another final, so I don't know?" said Guehi.
"We all know how good Man City are and their quality. Like the manager [Glasner] said, we will focus on ourselves, on doing the best we can for the fans.
"The fans have been fantastic, not only this season but every single season. They back the team and the players and it would be really nice for them to have this piece of silverware."
Guehi was also asked about his future at Selhurst Park, with reports linking him with a move in the summer.
"I think the most important [thing] is doing my best for this football club. I come in every day and I try to be the same, I try to work hard and this football club has given me a lot," he said.
"I'm still under contract so my focus is always at this football club and the most important thing is doing the best I can and seeing what the future holds."
Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been speaking to the media before Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Glasner said there will be some "tough but good decisions to take" on his starting line-up and that "it's positive news, everyone is fit." He added "Adam [Wharton] trained the whole week and is available."
On his side's preparation for the final: "It feels like a normal game. There's much more attention and interviews to do during the week, but our preparations have been more or less the same as for a Premier League game, like they were for the semi-final and quarter-final. We have a lot of confidence and are looking forward to the final."
When asked how he would feel if Palace won, Glasner said: "You can ask me after the game - I don't talk about this because we haven't won anything. We have a great game in front of us but I don't talk about if this happens or that happens. When it happens we can talk about it. We feel well prepared for this game and as Marc [Guehi] said, we will give our best every single one [of us]".
On the magic of the FA Cup: "Just have a look around – it's the magic [around you]. There are more cameras and journalists than the last few months [put] together. It's a lot of attention and playing in the biggest stadium in front of 90,000 fans is something special."
Glasner added: "Everybody wants to play in a final at Wembley and we are all in a privileged situation that we can experience it and [I think there should be] a lot of joy and positivity about this final."
The Austrian said he hopes his "back is good enough" to lift the FA Cup but that his side "shouldn't feel pressure to bring silverware to Crystal Place as this hasn't happened before in the clubs history".
On whether it means more to Palace than City: "If something is [happening for] the first time in your life it means more than something you do every single year. But I think still for a manager, for a player, and for a club winning a trophy is always something great in a season so I don't expect them to wave us the white flag and say 'it's a first title for Crystal Palace, you should get it.' I think they will fight to win it."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesCrystal Palace are around 24 hours away from taking part in their third-ever FA Cup final at Wembley.
Manchester City are the only team standing in the way of the Eagles getting their hands on their first major trophy in their history.
Whether you are one of the lucky 30,786 travelling fans or you have other plans for what could be a very special day, we want to hear from you.
Let us know how you're preparing for a big day, how the nerves are holding up and if there are banners and flags being made - or if you're meeting up with friends already - send in your pictures here.
Neil Johnston
BBC Sport journalist
Let go by Arsenal. Released by Fulham and Reading. Trials at Bristol City and Sunderland that came to nothing. Told by Millwall: "thanks, but no thanks." All before the age of 18.
It would have been easy for Eberechi Eze to give up on his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
After all, the youngster from a council estate in Greenwich, south-east London, had experienced nothing but pain, frustration and crushing rejection.
"I remember facing Arsenal a few months after being released by them [at the age of 13] and welling up because of all the emotions and not dealing properly with the feelings of being released," says Eze.
"I didn't know how to process it. I had tears ready to pour down my face."
Read more in depth on Eze's journey from rejection to Wembley
It hasn't been the season that Manchester City wanted but their bid for a top-five finish is still in their own hands, despite their slip-up against Southampton last week, and they will see it as being important that they end up with a trophy.
Most clubs would be absolutely delighted with that, including Palace, but for Pep Guardiola and for City, it won't be good enough.
I just have a feeling this is going to be a classic FA Cup final - I really hope so, anyway.
We know Palace can cause City problems from their trip to Etihad Stadium a few weeks ago.
City won 5-2 in the end but I don't think that scoreline really reflects what a close contest it was - Palace went 2-0 up and only a marginal offside call stopped them from leading 3-0 before Pep's side fought back.
That will give Palace plenty of confidence, even though City will be favourites and have got lots more experience of a big occasion.
So, this will be close. I am going to go with my heart over my head and say that, this time, Palace will win.
Sutton's prediction: 3-2
Image source, Getty ImagesCrystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is set to be the first Austrian to take charge of a team in the FA Cup final, while opposition manager Pep Guardiola has won the FA Cup twice and the League Cup four times in his time in England so far.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has failed to score in any of his five appearances at Wembley, with three of those coming in the FA Cup. This is the most games Haaland has played for City at a specific venue without finding the net.
Palace forward Eddie Nketiah has been involved in a goal in each of his past three FA Cup appearances (two goals, one assist), all as a substitute. He has also won the FA Cup once before, playing eight minutes from the bench in Arsenal's 2-1 win over Chelsea in 2020.
Image source, Getty ImagesBefore Saturday's FA Cup Final against Manchester City, we are looking back at some classic Crystal Palace victories over their opponents.
Crystal Palace 2-1 Manchester City (6 April 2015)
In just their second season back in the Premier League, Palace hosted a City side who needed a win to stand any chance of retaining the title. Glenn Murray put the home side ahead with a tap-in from close range shortly after the half hour mark. Jason Puncheon then doubled that lead with a brilliant free-kick after the break. Yaya Toure grabbed a consolation for the visitors but Palace were able to hold on. Alan Pardew's side ended the season in tenth, their highest ever Premier League finish.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City 2-3 Crystal Palace (22 December 2018)
Pep Guardiola's side were chasing back-to-back league titles, and although Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring, the game would turn on its head in two frantic first half minutes. First, Jeffrey Schlupp levelled the match for the Eagles with a shot from outside the area. Then came a moment of magic from Andros Townsend, as the winger lashed in a left-footed volley from 30 yards - the goal going on to win the Premier League's goal of the season. Luka Milivojevic extended Palace's lead from the penalty spot just after the break, and despite a late goal from Kevin De Bruyne, Palace held on for their first away win against City in 28 years.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester City 0-2 Crystal Palace (30 October 2021)
Patrick Viera's side headed to the Etihad firmly as underdogs and were on a run of four successive draws. But, Wilfred Zaha was quick to take advantage of some poor defending to put the Eagles in-front with just six minutes on the clock. The Ivorian pouncing on a mistake from Aymeric Laporte before exchanging passes with Conor Gallagher and guiding the ball in to the bottom left hand corner. The goal saw Zaha become the first player to score 50 top-flight goals for Palace. Laporte's afternoon would then get even worse when he was was red-carded by referee Andre Marriner in first-half stoppage time. And after playing the entire second half against ten men, Gallagher's neat finish two minutes from time wrapped up the three points for Palace.
Alex Pewter
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesOver the past 25 seasons, it's unlikely that you would place Manchester City as one of Crystal Palace's most regular opponents. When the teams walk out at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, it will be the 32nd meeting between the clubs since the 2000-01 season.
That run of fixtures began with a home victory at Selhurst Park, Trevor Francis and Kevin Keegan in the respective dugouts, and two clubs in a vastly different place than they are today.
The reality for Palace is that there have only been three more victories in all those years since, and a 48-goal difference in favour of the Manchester club.
It may therefore seem illogical that so many fans have cautious optimism headed into the final.
So, how does Oliver Glasner and his team beat the mighty Manchester City? Pace, set pieces and determination.
This is the most athletic squad the club has had in memory. Whether it's the stamina of either wingback or the straight-line speed of Ismaila Sarr, it's an underlying factor in making Glasner's 3-4-2-1 formation click. Out of possession, the team will work relentlessly to maintain their press but have the energy reserves to throw bodies forward.
The team's ability to break at pace undid Aston Villa in the semi-final. More recently, we saw Nottingham Forest's approach to foul Sarr as he countered, as they did on five occasions.
As a set-piece team, the club has quietly climbed the ranks in the Premier League and has been one of the most prolific scorers. Glasner credits this to the size of his team, but that likely underplays the work done on the training ground.
In the club's last meeting, both strengths were displayed as Palace led 2-0 at the Etihad, and almost 3-0 if not for a narrow VAR offside decision. The missing factor, determination, as the game went on to end 5-2 in an uncharacteristic collapse.
Marc Guehi, captain and key defender, was absent on that day. Palace know they can cause City problems; they hope their on-pitch leader gets them to their resilient best.
Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external
Image source, Getty ImagesWhen you are a neutral, we all like an upset in the FA Cup final, but it is a big task for Crystal Palace to beat Manchester City on Saturday.
Since some heavy defeats against City and Newcastle, Palace seems to have turned a corner. They beat Aston Villa in the semi-final in a fantastic day at Wembley for them. They have showed a little bit of consistency and momentum from that.
But this is Palace's first FA Cup final in nine years and only their third overall. Whereas for Manchester City, a trip to Wembley is a regular thing at the end of the season. That know-how and experience can play a big part on these big days - that energy, that excitement of players, at times it can drain a lot out of you. When you are playing against a team that is used to these environments, it can be quite difficult.
Palace will certainly have changed their style and tactics since those two defeats where they conceded 10 goals. They will be defensively more resilient, they will be harder to beat, but I think it will still be a difficult task. However, it is an FA Cup final and you never know what is going to happen. Who expected Manchester United to beat City last year? Not many of us.
Oliver Glasner's side come into this with some momentum and good confidence, while you can look at Manchester City against Southampton, arguably City did dominate and just could not get the ball in the back of the net, so could that be something Crystal Palace look at?
With Ebere Eze and Jean-Phillippe Mateta on transitions, they are players that can make a real difference. Tactically it will be a really interesting one, but we know Manchester City are cup final kings.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Newcastle United have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign 24-year-old defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. (Teamtalk), external
Image source, Getty ImagesFor the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.
The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.
Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.
When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.
It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.
I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.
I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Image source, Getty ImagesOn Saturday, Crystal Palace return to Wembley as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
It will be the clubs third FA Cup final in their history, however, they will be hoping this time will be more successful than on previous occasions.
Currently, they are one of just four clubs to have reached two FA Cup finals and never lift the trophy.
Before their third attempt, BBC Sport takes a look at five of Crystal Palace's most famous trips to Wembley.
Eze smashes Palace into lead at Wembley
FA Cup semi-final: Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa (26 April 2025)
Just how important of a win could this turn out to be for Crystal Palace? Eberechi Eze's sensational strike after 31 minutes settled a nervy semi-final tie, gifting The Eagles a lead at the break. Jean-Phillipe Mateta failed from the spot, but they kept pushing and Ismaila Sarr doubled their lead just before the hour mark. Sarr then added a third in stoppage time to confirm the club's first FA Cup final since 2016.
Image source, Getty ImagesFA Cup final: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United (aet, 21 May 2016)
The Eagles' last FA Cup final came in 2016, and it very nearly ended with silverware. Alan Pardew's side took the lead with just 12 minutes to go after substitute Jason Puncheon's powerful far-post finish put Palace ahead. Within four minutes, that lead had gone with Juan Mata slotting in from close-range, bringing the game to extra time. It wasn't to be for Palace, as despite their opposition falling to 10 men Jesse Lingard's 110th minute strike meant it was Louis Van Gaal's side ending the season with a trophy.
Image source, Getty ImagesChampionship play-off final: Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford (aet, 27 May 2013)
Palace's first game after the re-build of Wembley came in 2013 when they faced Watford, the prize being a spot in the Premier League. After a goalless 90 minutes, it was an extra time penalty from veteran Kevin Phillips that separated the two sides. Their previous four promotions to the Premier League had resulted in relegation the following season. However, since this final Palace have never dropped out of the top flight - and are now potentially on the verge of a first major trophy. Not bad!
Image source, Getty ImagesFA Cup final: Crystal Palace 3-3 Manchester United (aet, 12 May 1990)
Some 35 years ago, Palace featured in their first ever FA Cup final, and what a game it was. The big talking point before the game was whether or not Ian Wright - who had suffered a broken leg two months prior - would be fit enough to feature. He started amongst the substitutes, but after coming on at 2-1 down he made an instant impact, bringing the game back level with his first touches. In extra time Wright added his second and Palace's third, leaving them on the verge of a first ever major trophy. However, with seven minutes left to play Manchester United brought the game back level, and into a replay it went.
FA Cup final replay: Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester United (17 May 1990)
Five days after their first match, Palace met Manchester United one again. Following a thrilling first match, it was a much cagier affair. The only goal came in the second half from United's Lee Martin, ending Crystal Palace's cup run. However, many fans will still enjoy fond memories of the two games.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked what you made of captain Joel Ward's 13 years at the club following an announcement that he will the leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
Here are some of your comments:
Paul: An absolute legend for us, arguably the best value signing we've ever made at £400k. Always gave 100% on the pitch and a total gentleman off of it. Thank you for everything Joel and all the best for the future. You're always welcome back at Selhurst!
Andy: Joel has been a great personality in a variety of different squads. Always 100% committed for the team and the club. Would be good if he gets a coaching role at the club as his beliefs and honesty is what a lot could learn from.
Joe: I saw his first game at Exeter. He looked comfortable on and off the ball. Over the years he has been 'Mr Reliable' and a solid team man and leader. It has been evident for the last few years that he had lost pace to play at the highest level. It's clearly the time to hang up his boots but I sincerely hope he's given a role at the club. What a mentor to young professionals. Thank you Joel!
Zach: Tough to put into words how much he means to the fans. A certified legend, massive part of our promotion in 2013, and played a huge role in keeping us in the Premier League all this time. We'll never forget that goal line clearance against Watford in the play-off final. Love you Wardy.
Jake: I met Joel Ward a few years ago after a pre-season friendly in Switzerland. Not just a great servant to the club but a truly lovely guy. He will be missed at Palace.
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport football news reporter Alex Howell has been answering your questions on the upcoming transfer window.
Anon: I wanted to ask about the Oliver Glasner situation. Is he staying at Palace? Any news regarding his possible contact extension?
Alex: When we reported that the contract talks between Palace and Glasner were at an early stage, they really were.
And Glasner has played down talks about his future in every press conference he has been asked about it.
As you can imagine, those at Palace want to keep Glasner for what he has done in the last year and that will only increase if Palace get into Europe by winning the FA Cup.
He still has a year left, but there has been interest in him before.
The main takeaway is that the manager has a lot of bargaining power in these talks and that will only increase if Palace win the FA Cup final.
Image source, Getty ImagesJoel Ward will leave Crystal Palace after 13 years at the club.
The 35 year-old has played 363 matches for the Eagles since joining in 2012, placing him eighth on the club's all-time appearance list.
"It has been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life," the club captain said in a statement.
"This isn't 'goodbye' – it's merely a 'see you later.'"
What have you made of Ward's 13 years at Selhurst Park, Palace fans?
Chairman Steve Parish said: "From the very day he joined Crystal Palace, Joel has been an incredible ambassador for this Football Club: open, friendly and professional, but also competitive, driven and uncompromising in the standards he sets.
"Simply put, over the course of 13 years' service, Joel has been an example for all Palace players who have gone before him: in his values, in his presence, and in his dedication to representing this club with pride."
Alex Pewter
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesSunday's game was a battle between two finalists in two competitions, using very different preparation techniques. Oliver Glasner made it clear that he favoured momentum over resting and rotation, and his starters delivered a comfortable win.
The Europa League is an enticing proposition to those in the Premier League mid-table. If two teams with such tepid league performances are in a position to win this trophy, any Premier League entrant has the potential to win it.
Crystal Palace will have to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday to get there.
The 'plucky underdogs' versus a club managed by one of the all-time greats, a team with an array of world-class players, whilst backed by vast Abu Dhabi resources.
City carry the weight of expectation, but for Palace, there is an entirely different pressure - a chance to achieve something unprecedented and win a major trophy.
Palace are by no means a downtrodden club and fanbase anymore. Success is relative to each club, and they have had over a decade of it, despite the usual jokes about always finishing 10th to 14th in the league.
For a generation of younger fans, that may be all they have known. Older fans may have been hardened and conditioned by former defeats and disappointments, but the days of gazing upward to the top flight are long past. Palace are now very much part of the Premier League establishment, even if we may choose to believe otherwise.
Crystal Palace deserve to be in big cup matches, they have the right to keep their best talents and battle against the best in the country. Most importantly, this manager has changed the mentality of the squad and fans alike.
Glasner and his team are now just 90 minutes from glory, and unlike nine years ago, there won't be any dancing until the job is done.
Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone has been answering your questions on the transfer window.
Joe, Bromley: With Jean-Philippe Mateta creeping toward the exit door, my beloved Eagles will need a new striker this summer. A proper fox in the box is what we need - and we haven't had one of those since the brilliant Dwight Gayle. Any ideas about who we might look to recruit?
Simon: Firstly, strikers are the most sought-after players just now. So many clubs need reliable goalscorers, from Arsenal, external all the way down. Obviously, Palace have a shot at Europe in the FA Cup final. Winning at Wembley and European football next season is a persuasive argument to put to Mateta about staying, which is the best-case scenario. After that, it is a question of assessing the younger players who have done well elsewhere.
Jonathan David has long been viewed as a Premier League target, the same is true of Benjamin Sesko at RB Leipzig. Dusan Vlahovic has not had the greatest season at Juventus, but is highly-rated across the continent, while Moise Kean and Ademola Lookman both have Premier League experience, even if their stats in England are not that great. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and competition for all these players will drive the price up.
