Supporters of Crystal Palace are converging from all corners of the nation to Wembley for the FA Cup final, where their team will face off against Manchester City.

The Eagles have reached this prestigious stage twice in the past but have yet to clinch a win, while their rivals have claimed the trophy on seven occasions.

Despite this, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among the legion of Palace fans this year.

“It’s destined to happen; that’s what everyone is saying. Today belongs to us, and I’m hopeful my dream will become reality,” shares Eugene Borges.

A bus driver by profession, Eugene hails from Upton upon Severn in Worcestershire, and he set out from home at 05:15 BST to make it to the match, confidently forecasting a 3-1 victory for Palace.

“I’ve been a supporter since the 1970s, and look at us now.”

“The energy here is electric. There’s a strong conviction that today is our day—and it will be,” he adds.

This confidence resonates with numerous other fans making their way to north-west London.

Dressed in red trousers, a matching jacket, and a Crystal Palace shirt, Pamela Gould traveled from Cheltenham to attend the final.

“They’re playing brilliantly and performing incredibly well. The semi-final was just remarkable,” she remarks.

“They showcased their talents—I’m convinced they can do it today. We’re fully behind them.”

Pamela admits she “couldn’t sleep last night due to the excitement,” noting, “not many have slept in anticipation of the game.”

“I’ve never encountered a fan base this enthusiastic.”

Brendan, a Croydon native now residing in the Midlands, is on his way to Wembley, hoping to secure a ticket for his son.

“It has to be in the Palace section,” he insists. “I have faith—I’m a Palace supporter, and belief is essential.”

“It’s the hope that gets you every time. We will get a ticket. Even if the match concludes, I’m determined to find one. I’m persistent, like a pit bull.”

He shares his own prediction of a 3-1 win for Palace.

Amanda, from Lancashire, drove down on Friday with her sister and two friends for the final.

“I’m feeling anxious,” she admits. “Last night, I felt like a child on Christmas morning. I struggled to sleep.”

“We’re full of hope. I think everyone feels we have a much better chance compared to our last final in 2016.”

That occasion saw Crystal Palace lose to Manchester United with a score of 2-1.

Regardless of the outcome, Amanda anticipates tears by the end of the day.

“There will definitely be tears,” she laughs. “Come on, Palace!”

Richard Capps has traveled a long way from Cheddar in Somerset to attend the match.

“The bookmakers may favor Man City, and they’re usually right. But today might prove them wrong.”

“This is our year. I can’t wait for the victory parade next week,” he adds enthusiastically.

Caitlin Scullion, another Croydon local, feels anxious as the match approaches but is forecasting a 1-0 win for her team.

“The nerves are running high right now, but I am so excited,” says the 24-year-old. “It’s a significant time for our club.”

She plans to watch the game alongside her friend Ryan, and they have decided to get eagle tattoos should the team triumph.

“It’ll either be the most amazing day or we’ll just be happy we were part of it. The community is really united today.”