Crystal Palace vs Man City: Will Erling Haaland Play Today in the FA Cup Final?

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In the 2024-25 FA Cup final, Manchester City will go up against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium in London, England on Saturday (May 17). A victory in this final would secure Man City's eighth FA Cup trophy. The last time City lifted the FA Cup was in 2023, the season they claimed their first-ever continental treble. But for the reigning Premier League champions, this game represents their sole opportunity to win silverware this season.

Erling Haaland has remained City's leading goal scorer since joining the team. The narrative continues unchanged this season. Despite some injury issues, Haaland has enjoyed a fruitful campaign. In the Premier League, he’s netted 21 goals and delivered 3 assists across 29 matches, averaging 0.72 goals per match. His role has been crucial to City's efforts, and his involvement in the final could be a game-changer.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Is Erling Haaland Fit to Play Today at Wembley?

Erling Haaland is set to be available to spearhead Manchester City’s frontline in today’s 2025 FA Cup Final clash with Crystal Palace. He had suffered an ankle injury in March against Bournemouth, which kept him sidelined for several games, but he returned recently in a goalless draw against Southampton.

City boss Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Haaland's showing in that goalless draw at Southampton was below par and mentioned the striker’s place in the Wembley starting XI wasn’t assured. Guardiola remarked, "I'll have one week to think about it. I don’t know. The truth is, it’s been five weeks off." He added, "He’s a big man and needs maybe a little bit more time."

Man City vs Crystal Palace: Should Guardiola Play Haaland Today? Is Man City Better Without Haaland?

Even though Haaland remains City's top scorer this season, he has not consistently performed at his best. That has sparked debates among fans suggesting that City performs better in his absence. Supporting this view, City went unbeaten during its recent seven-game layoff, winning six of those. Meanwhile, 12 of their 14 losses across all competitions this season occurred with Haaland on the pitch.

Haaland’s return in the draw against Southampton also ended City’s five-match winning streak in all competitions, intensifying discussions that the team might function more efficiently without the Norwegian striker.

Manchester City are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Haaland positioned at the tip of the attack. Should he start, he’ll be backed by a formidable lineup. Kevin De Bruyne is anticipated to play the role of the attacking midfielder, bringing creativity and playmaking ability. On the wings, Jeremy Doku and Omar Marmoush are expected to provide width and speed. If Omar Marmoush is chosen over Haaland, Savinho could occupy the flank.

Although Haaland hasn't matched his previous season’s heights this term, he emphasised the importance of the Blues pushing for silverware this weekend. He also underlined the significance of the FA Cup, especially as this may be the final chance for Kevin De Bruyne to clinch a 20th title with City.
“Of course it’s important to win it,” said Haaland.

Expressing his ambition to reclaim the trophy, he added, “We’ll do everything we can to finish strong and hopefully win it. It’s a special trophy and I’ll do everything I can to win it again…To be here for the third time in a row is amazing, and hopefully we can win it again.”