In the shadow of Wembley Stadium, lifelong Crystal Palace fan Michael Okoye, a 42-year-old bus driver, grips his son’s hand, his voice trembling with hope. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” he says, picturing Palace lifting their first FA Cup today against Manchester City. Across the stands, City supporter Zara Iqbal, a 27-year-old nurse, waves a sky-blue flag, her heart set on redemption. “This is our chance to shine again,” she says, her smile defiant. Kicking off at 4:30 p.m. UK time, the 2025 FA Cup final pits Palace’s underdog fire against City’s battle-hardened grit, each side chasing glory in a sold-out spectacle.

The FA Cup, football’s oldest prize, sees Palace, guided by Oliver Glasner, chasing history after near-misses in 1990 and 2016, both losses to Manchester United. City, led by Pep Guardiola, seeks an eighth title to rescue a season marred by Premier League stumbles and a Champions League exit. Broadcast on BBC One, ITV1, and ESPN+ (10 a.m. ET in the U.S.), the match draws 80,000 fans to Wembley. A Palace victory would earn a historic Europa League berth, while City aim to dodge a rare trophyless year under Guardiola’s reign.

Team News: Palace field a healthy squad, with midfielder Adam Wharton cleared after a late fitness test. Eberechi Eze, Ismaïla Sarr, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, each netting three goals in recent rounds, lead a dynamic attack. Sarr, thriving since his £12m move, celebrated twins’ birth days before the 3-0 semi-final win over Aston Villa. Glasner’s 3-2-5 formation, with wing-backs stretching play, targets City’s edges. City, plagued by injuries, miss four players, though names are hushed. Erling Haaland’s return and Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell push fuel their fire, with De Bruyne vowing “one last fight.”

Form: Palace are electric, unbeaten in five, their 2-0 win over Tottenham and 3-0 semi-final thrashing of Villa showcasing Eze’s flair and Mateta’s bite. Their April clash at City’s Etihad saw Palace lead 2-0 before a 5-2 collapse, hinting at upset potential. City, unbeaten in 10, leaned on De Bruyne’s magic in that comeback and Haaland’s goals. But a 0-0 draw against Southampton exposed frailties, with Guardiola admitting, “We’ve struggled.” City’s seven-game unbeaten streak against Palace, including a 2-2 draw in December 2024, favors them, yet Palace’s three wins in 23 clashes over a decade prove they can stun.

Context: Palace’s rise is a tale of heart. Glasner’s tactics have unleashed Eze and Sarr, whose speed rattled City in April. “We’re ready,” Glasner said, recalling his post-match jab at Guardiola: “Keep that defense, and we’ll strike.” City, reeling from a lost title and Real Madrid’s Champions League knockout, view the FA Cup as salvation. Their 2023 triumph and 2024 final loss to United drive them. Palace’s 2016 agony—Jason Puncheon’s goal undone by Juan Mata—haunts fans like Michael, who tearfully recalls his late father’s love for the Eagles. NBC’s Rebecca Lowe, a Palace diehard, calls it “a 36-year pilgrimage.”

Reactions: On social media, Palace fans chant “Eagles fly!” with clips of Sarr’s dazzle. City backers hail De Bruyne, one posting, “KDB’s final bow, let’s win it.” Yohan Cabaye, Palace’s 2016 hero, warns: “City won’t handle Eze’s spark.” Fans outside Wembley protest steep ticket costs, their passion undimmed. Globally, U.S. and Australian viewers (1:30 a.m. AEST) join the frenzy, the match trending worldwide.

Stakes: Palace chase a first major trophy and European glory, a feat that would etch Glasner’s name in lore. City fight for pride and a springboard to the FIFA Club World Cup. A loss could bruise Guardiola’s legacy, while Palace’s win would shake football’s order.

Outlook: Palace’s pace and shape could unsettle City, but Haaland’s ruthlessness looms large. Michael and Zara, united by passion, await a clash for the ages. Will Michael’s Palace soar to history, or will Zara’s City restore their crown?