Crystal Palace Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Receive Timely Boost Ahead of FA Cup Final Showdown with Manchester City

Wharton Returns to Fitness in Time for Wembley

Crystal Palace have been handed a significant boost ahead of their FA Cup final clash with Manchester City, as key midfielder Adam Wharton has been declared fit to play. The 20-year-old missed the Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Tottenham and had been forced off during the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest due to an ankle injury, raising fears about his availability.

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But speaking on Friday, manager Oliver Glasner confirmed, “Wharton has trained all week and is available to play against Manchester City at Wembley.” For a side appearing in only their third FA Cup final in history, his presence could prove vital.

Midfield Dilemma for Glasner

The return of Wharton adds steel and structure to Palace’s shape, but Glasner must now decide who partners him in midfield. Daichi Kamada, the versatile Japanese international signed as a free agent, partnered Wharton in the semi-final 3-0 win over Aston Villa and remains the favourite to start.

Yet the experienced duo of Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes are also fit and pushing for inclusion. Both offer composure and physicality that may be required to suppress the dominance of Manchester City’s midfield trio.

Squad News and Selection Stability

Palace approach this final with minimal injury disruption. Only long-term absentees Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure remain sidelined, both recovering from serious knee injuries. With the core of his side settled, Glasner is expected to stick with a familiar structure.

Likely Line-Up Against Manchester City

Crystal Palace’s predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta.

The stage is set. Palace’s belief is growing. But Manchester City remain the ultimate test.