The 144th FA Cup ultimate takes place at Wembley on Saturday – will Manchester Metropolis get their arms on the well-known outdated trophy for the eighth time, or can Crystal Palace safe the primary main silverware of their 120-year historical past?
“I’d love nothing greater than for Palace to win it,” stated BBC Sport soccer professional Chris Sutton.
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“I’ve received nothing in opposition to Metropolis, however Palace have by no means received something and profitable the FA Cup could be enormous for his or her followers.
“Palace received the Zenith Knowledge Methods Cup in 1991, however you aren’t getting an open-top bus parade for doing that. In the event that they beat Metropolis I would take into consideration taking place to south London to applaud them myself.”
In addition to the FA Cup, Sutton is making predictions for each Premier League sport this season in opposition to quite a lot of friends.
For all of this weekend’s video games in each competitions, he takes on Barry Cannot Swim, aka DJ and producer Joshua Mannie, who’s an Everton fan.
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Barry Cannot Swim’s newest observe, Kimpton (with O’Flynn), is out now, and his new album, Loner, is launched in July.
He’s acting at Radio 1’s Large Weekend 2025, which takes place from 23 to 25 Might in Sefton Park, Liverpool.
Do you agree with their predictions? You can also make your personal selections beneath.
The most well-liked scoreline chosen for every Premier League sport is used within the scoreboards and tables on the backside of this web page.
An accurate outcome (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is price 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
Barry Cannot Swim’s debut album, When Will We Land?, reached quantity 12 within the UK charts. It was nominated for the 2024 Mercury Prize, and received the BBC Radio 1 Dance Award for greatest album of the 12 months [BBC]
Sunday is a momentous day for all Everton followers, with the boys’s staff enjoying their ultimate sport at Goodison Park.
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The membership transfer to their new floor at Bramley-Moore Dock for subsequent season and Josh instructed BBC Sport: “I am actually excited – it is lengthy overdue! – but it surely’s undoubtedly unhappy on the identical time.
“It’ll in all probability take a little bit of adjusting to, however general the positives undoubtedly outweigh the negatives. My uncle was on the new stadium a pair weeks in the past and apparently it is wonderful.”
After a number of seasons principally spent combating relegation, for some time it was unsure whether or not Everton could be a Premier League membership once they moved to their new house however Josh feels the longer term is vibrant on the pitch now too.
“I can not bear in mind the final time I used to be feeling this optimistic,” he added. “There’s an actual alternative for an entire rebuild and have a contemporary begin with so many gamers out of contract.
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“I will be trustworthy I used to be a bit detached when Moyes was employed in January however he is completed such an excellent job. I can not consider anybody I would reasonably lead us into the brand new stadium.”
Chris Sutton and Josh Mannie / Barry Cannot Swim had been chatting with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
Sutton’s FA Cup ultimate prediction
There isn’t a replay within the FA Cup ultimate. The sport can be determined by further time and penalties.
Hole = league locations between the 2 groups
Saturday, 17 Might
twelfth in Premier League v 4th in Premier League
Final main trophy? Palace: By no means. Metropolis: 2024 Premier League
Finest FA Cup run? Palace: runners-up in 1990 & 2016. Metropolis: winners x7 between 1904 & 2023
Watch stay on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport web site. Reside commentary on BBC Radio 5 Reside and BBC Sounds.
It hasn’t been the season that Manchester Metropolis needed however their bid for a top-five end remains to be in their very own arms, regardless of their slip-up in opposition to Southampton final week, and they’ll see it as being essential that they find yourself with a trophy.
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Most golf equipment could be completely delighted with that, together with Palace, however for Pep Guardiola and for Metropolis, it will not be adequate.
I simply have a sense that is going to be a traditional FA Cup ultimate – I actually hope so, anyway.
We all know Palace may cause Metropolis issues from their journey to Etihad Stadium just a few weeks in the past.
Metropolis received 5-2 ultimately however I do not assume – Palace went 2-0 up and solely a marginal offside name stopped them from main 3-0 earlier than Pep’s facet fought again.
That may give Palace loads of confidence, although Metropolis can be favourites and have gotten heaps extra expertise of a giant event.
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So, this can be shut. I’m going to go together with my coronary heart over my head and say that, this time, Palace will win.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-2
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: I will go together with Palace right here, primarily as a result of that is what I wish to consider. I really feel like they seem to be a little bit of a bogey staff for Metropolis, plus they give the impression of being good proper now and I’ve received a little bit of a comfortable spot for them. 2-1
Sutton’s Premier League predictionsFriday, 16 Might
Let’s face it, everybody on the planet thinks Aston Villa will win this – the identical method everybody will count on Chelsea to beat Manchester United in Friday’s different sport.
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The way in which each Tottenham and United are approaching subsequent week’s Europa League ultimate, they’re simply gripped with worry. It has develop into like a World Cup ultimate for each golf equipment.
Each managers will make a lot of adjustments for his or her matches on Friday, as a result of they’re so afraid of accidents to key gamers however I simply do not assume that’s the technique to strategy Wednesday’s sport in Bilbao.
Examine it to Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, who has been enjoying his strongest staff within the run-up to Saturday’s FA Cup ultimate.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou doesn’t need anybody to get injured however the flip facet to leaving key individuals out is that you simply wish to go into a giant sport with a little bit of momentum, and Tottenham would not have any.
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I put myself ready of a Spurs participant, and if I’m Micky van de Ven or Cristian Romero, I’d wish to play in opposition to Villa and I’d wish to take that threat.
However what Postecoglou is fearful of, naturally, is that if one thing occurs to one in all them, as a result of then he could be requested ‘why on earth did you do this?’
So, we all know what he’ll do and, due to that, you’ll be able to’t make a case for Tottenham beating Villa, or getting something in any respect from this sport.
On the face of it, issues have turned out fairly properly for Villa have not they? Final summer time they’d have checked out their final two video games of the season – Spurs at house on Friday and United away subsequent weekend – and thought that could be very powerful.
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Now, although, they should be rubbing their arms. They’re combating for a top-five end and so they end up with two video games in opposition to groups whose focus this week is totally on an all collectively completely different prize.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: I am guessing Tottenham can be resting their staff for the Europa League ultimate and Villa are nonetheless aiming for Champions League soccer. 3-0
Stamford Bridge, 20:15 BST
Like Villa with Tottenham, Chelsea couldn’t have picked a greater time to play Manchester United. It is a nice alternative for them of their bid for a top-five end.
Chelsea are with out suspended striker Nicolas Jackson after his purple card in opposition to Newcastle, which ended their hopes of getting something at St James’ Park.
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I’m not certain who will play up entrance on Friday as a substitute of Jackson, or who will get their targets, however I nonetheless totally count on Enzo Maresca’s facet to win.
Manchester United have nonetheless been fielding robust groups regardless of all of the adjustments they’ve been making round their Europa League ties, however you wouldn’t assume it from their performances or outcomes.
It’s not as if Ruben Amorim has been placing out his Below-18s in current weeks however their Premier League kind is dismal and I can not see any purpose why that can change right here.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: This is similar as Villa-Spurs, actually. United can be specializing in the Europa League and Chelsea have all of it to play for. 2-0
Sunday, 18 Might
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As you all know, it isn’t typically I am mistaken about something however it’s possible you’ll bear in mind me saying that I believed I held the file for the quickest senior aim at Goodison Park for my effort after 12.94 seconds for Blackburn in 1995 till Abdoulaye Doucoure scored after 10.18 seconds for Everton in opposition to Leicester in February.
It seems the quickest aim earlier than Doucoure was really by Bournemouth’s Colin Clarke, after 11 seconds in a League Cup tie in 1985, however I nonetheless maintain the file for the quickest away aim there in a males’s league sport and no-one is taking that away from me, as a result of I do not assume Southampton will rating in any respect on Sunday.
Saints will in all probability be too exhausted from their celebrations after final week’s draw with Manchester Metropolis to smash the get together as Everton’s males’s staff play their final sport at Goodison after 133 years.
I’ve not received an issue with the Southampton followers celebrating reaching 12 factors and avoiding equalling Derby’s file for the worst Premier League factors tally as a result of they’ve needed to endure an terrible season, however it’s absolute novice hour from their gamers to react the way in which they did afterwards.
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Individuals will say it was right down to emotion however how low is your bar in the event you see that as an achievement? The staff ought to have thanked the supporters, and cleared off down the tunnel.
Everton received taken aside within the first half by Fulham final outing, however had been a lot better within the second half and went to win 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
It could be typical for them to mess up on their huge day, however they will not. I fancy Beto to get a aim, and the Toffees to log off with a win.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: One huge final ship off at Goodison Park, Moyesey within the dugout, the noise can be wonderful, the gamers can be up for it. I hope they provide it the ship off it deserves. 5-0
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Barry Cannot Swim on Everton’s greatest participant this season: It is laborious to say, however I would in all probability go together with Jordan Pickford. He is so constant and dependable and offers the back-line confidence.
Additionally, whereas he is not our participant of the season, I feel Beto deserves plenty of credit score for the affect he is made since Moyes got here in too. He was completely written off however has scored a good quantity of targets.
Who would he signal in the summertime? I really assume wing-backs are a precedence, and a proper winger. Oh, and a ahead too.
We have a bit extra creativity now in midfield however I would wish to see extra attacking full-backs like we used to have underneath Moyes up to now. It may be a very thrilling summer time for us.
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London Stadium, 14:15 BST
Reside commentary on BBC Radio 5 Reside and BBC Sounds.
It is a enormous sport for my boyhood facet, Nottingham Forest.
They should win to maintain their hopes of a top-five end alive, however my worry is that they have already blown it.
I performed on the Metropolis Floor many instances however I feel my stint there as a Sky pundit for final weekend’s draw with Leicester was the primary time I’ve watched a sport there reasonably than been on the pitch, and it was not pleasing viewing for us Forest followers.
I believed that sport was a must-win for Forest’s Champions League hopes, and in the event that they drop extra factors right here they may drop out of rivalry fully.
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I’ve heard some individuals say that Forest have bottled it, however I do not agree. They’ve simply run out of steam.
Forest’s goal now could be to get to subsequent weekend and nonetheless be in contact earlier than they host Chelsea of their ultimate sport of the season, however whether or not that occurs or not depends on which West Ham staff turns up.
The Hammers had been on a poor run earlier than they went to Previous Trafford final weekend and received. That will often be a powerful outcome however it isn’t a lot of an achievement in the meanwhile.
I do know who I wish to win however, for various causes, it’s laborious to again both facet right here.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
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Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: I’d actually like to see Forest get into the Champions League however they’ve hit a little bit of a dip and it appears like West Ham love a draw in the meanwhile. 1-1
GTech Neighborhood Stadium, 15:00 BST
Reside commentary on BBC Radio 5 Reside Sports activities Additional 2 and BBC Sounds.
I’m each sport this week because the one that would make or break my probabilities of defending my predictions title however, no matter I say right here, I do know I will be mistaken as a result of I’ve discovered Fulham virtually inconceivable to name all season.
I used to be really spot on with once they beat Brentford 2-1 in November, however solely as a result of Harry Wilson
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On kind, the Bees are favourites right here after profitable their previous 4 video games, however Fulham have the power to beat anybody, and so they additionally often do the other of what I feel.
Perhaps I’m greatest off going with a draw, as a result of the other of that’s nonetheless a draw.
On prime of that, I feel everybody else will go for a house win so this may very well be the outcome that makes the distinction for me – I want it to, as a result of my title is on the road after two successive seasons the place I’ve triumphed.
The friends can steal my crown with one other win this week however I would like everybody to try my factors tally [see tables below] as proof of who the predictions king actually is.
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Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: Brentford are enjoying rather well simply now and may have that further motivation for a attainable European place. 2-1
King Energy Stadium, 15:00 BST
Leicester had been actually good in opposition to Nottingham Forest final week as soon as Ruud van Nistelrooy had made some substitutions, however they had been horrible earlier than he modified issues.
It took a 94th-minute equaliser from Jordan Ayew when Leicester got here to Portman Street in November however that was when either side had been nonetheless combating to remain up, which appears like an awfully very long time in the past now.
What a determined sport that is for each groups, as a result of the one prize for the winner is 18th place.
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I’m backing Leicester to take it, and it will be becoming for Jamie Vardy to mark his ultimate house sport for the membership along with his two hundredth Foxes aim.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: Leicester have had a few good outcomes not too long ago, I feel they’re going to proceed that at house. 2-1
Emirates Stadium, 16:30 BST
Reside commentary on BBC Radio 5 Reside and BBC Sounds.
It is a huge sport with second place up for grabs, and it’s a little bit of a grudge match too.
Newcastle have overwhelmed Arsenal 3 times already this season and their conferences have been fairly spiky because the Magpies grabbed over Mikel Arteta’s facet in 2023.
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Arsenal can be completely determined to place one over them this time, however I can see this turning into an actual battle and I’d not be shocked if it results in a draw.
That could be a higher outcome for the Gunners, as a result of some extent would all however assure them a Champions League place – their aim distinction is a lot better than the opposite groups in that race – even when their followers will need extra.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: It is actually laborious to name this one. Newcastle are extra in kind however Arsenal are at house. I will go together with a draw. 1-1
Monday, 19 Might
It is so laborious to make a prediction for this sport as a result of I do not know what the Liverpool line-up will seem like, or what their mindset can be.
Arne Slot’s facet will carry the Premier League trophy at Anfield after their ultimate sport of the season in opposition to Crystal Palace subsequent weekend. Their work is completed, and they’ve that get together to look ahead to, so how targeted will they be right here?
As issues stand, Brighton do have one thing to play for as a result of eighth place will get them within the Europa Convention League, if Manchester Metropolis win the FA Cup.
The Seagulls performed rather well at Wolves final week, and totally deserved their win.
They gave Liverpool a great sport at Anfield earlier within the season, once they led 1-0 at half-time and if Slot picks a weakened staff then they’re adequate to take benefit.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Barry Cannot Swim’s prediction: Once more I’m simply pondering of Europe for Brighton and Liverpool’s season is completed, so I am going with a draw right here. 1-1
How did Sutton do final week?
Sutton received three appropriate outcomes with no precise scores from the ten Premier League video games in week 36, giving him a complete of 30 factors.
That was sufficient to tie with the BBC readers – utilizing the most well-liked scoreline out of your predictions for every sport, you additionally received three appropriate outcomes, with no precise scores.
But it surely was Sutton’s friends, grime stars Footsie and Technique, who took the weekly win to maneuver again to the highest of the desk with solely two weeks to go.
Footsie additionally received three appropriate outcomes and no precise scores, however Technique did higher than anybody else with 5 appropriate outcomes and no precise scores and, mixed, gave them a mean of 40 factors and a doubtlessly important victory.
Weekly wins, ties & whole scores after week 36. . .
Visitor leaderboard 2024-25. . * Common after 36 weeks.