Under Wembley’s iconic arch, Sarah Thompson, a lifelong Crystal Palace fan, clutches her red-and-blue scarf, her heart racing. “This is our moment,” she says, eyes fixed on the pitch where her team faces Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final today. For Sarah, it’s a chance to see Palace, who’ve never won the trophy, make history. Across the stands, City supporter Ahmed Khan, 29, cheers for his team’s eighth FA Cup triumph. “We need this after a tough year,” he says, his voice tinged with defiance. Kicking off at 4:30 p.m. UK time, this clash pits Palace’s underdog spirit against City’s seasoned pedigree, with both sides hungry for silverware.

The FA Cup, the world’s oldest football competition, sees Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, chasing their first major trophy after runner-up finishes in 1990 and 2016, both against Manchester United. City, under Pep Guardiola, aim to salvage a rocky season, having faltered in the Premier League and Champions League. The match, broadcast live on BBC One, ITV1, and ESPN+ (10 a.m. ET in the U.S.), is expected to draw over 80,000 fans to Wembley. A Palace win would secure their first Europa League spot, while City seek to avoid a trophyless season, a rarity under Guardiola.

Team News: Crystal Palace boasts a fully fit squad, with midfielder Adam Wharton confirmed available after a minor scare. Key players Eberechi Eze, Ismaïla Sarr, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored three goals each in recent FA Cup ties, form a potent front three. Sarr, a £12m bargain, shone in the 3-0 semi-final win over Aston Villa, days after his wife gave birth to twins. Glasner’s 3-2-5 setup, with wing-backs pushing high, aims to exploit City’s flanks. Manchester City, however, face injury woes: four players, including a key starter, are sidelined, though specifics remain guarded. Erling Haaland’s return bolsters their attack, and Kevin De Bruyne, in his final games before leaving, is eager for one last honor.

Form: Palace are in scintillating form, unbeaten in five matches, with a 2-0 league win over Tottenham and a 3-0 semi-final rout of Villa showcasing their flair. Their front three thrive in half-spaces, creating high-quality chances, as seen in April’s Premier League clash at City’s Etihad, where they led 2-0 before a 5-2 defeat. City, unbeaten in 10 games, including that comeback against Palace, relies on De Bruyne’s brilliance and Haaland’s clinical edge. Yet, a goalless draw against relegated Southampton last week exposed cracks, with Guardiola admitting this season’s struggles. City’s seven-game unbeaten run against Palace, including a 2-2 draw in December 2024, gives them confidence, but Palace’s three wins in 23 meetings over a decade show rare upsets are possible.

Context: Palace’s journey reflects resilience. Glasner’s tactical shift has instilled belief, with Eze and Sarr’s pace troubling even City’s defense. “We can beat them,” Glasner said, recalling his warning to Guardiola after April’s loss: “Play that system again, and we’ll win.” City, stung by a failed title defense and Champions League exit to Real Madrid, sees the FA Cup as redemption. Their 2023 win and last season’s loss to United fuel their drive. Palace’s history of near-misses—Jason Puncheon’s 2016 goal erased by Juan Mata—adds emotional weight. A Palace fan, Rebecca Lowe, NBC’s Premier League presenter, calls it a “36-year journey” with her late father, dreaming of victory.

Reactions: On social media, Palace fans buzz with hope, posting “Eagles soar!” alongside Eze highlights. City supporters rally behind De Bruyne, with one writing, “KDB’s last dance, let’s make it count.” Yohan Cabaye, a 2016 Palace finalist, warns City: “Palace’s front three are dangerous.” Protests outside Wembley demand fair ticket prices, reflecting fans’ passion. Globally, the match trends, with U.S. and Australian fans (1:30 a.m. AEST) tuning in.

Stakes: For Palace, it’s a shot at history and European football. For City, it’s about pride and momentum before the FIFA Club World Cup. A loss could dent Guardiola’s legacy, while Glasner’s upset would cement his status.

Outlook: Palace’s discipline and width could test City, but Haaland’s presence tilts the odds. Sarah and Ahmed, worlds apart, share one hope: a match to remember. Will Sunita’s Eagles soar, or will Ahmed’s City reclaim their crown?