Currently occupying the fourth spot in the Premier League, Manchester City is eager to maintain its winning momentum. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, is struggling in the 15th position, feeling the pressure due to a recent dip in form. Despite a challenging period, City managed to secure a 2-1 win against Luton Town in the Premier League last weekend, ending a four-game winless streak.
The team continued their stellar performance in the Champions League, winning all six group stage matches, with young talents Micah Hamilton and Oscar Bobb making their mark by scoring their first senior goals.
Pep Guardiola's squad, now focused on the Premier League, faces Crystal Palace before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup. Although City has slipped to the fourth position in the league table, trailing Liverpool by four points, they remain undefeated in their last 18 top-flight games at the Etihad. Moreover, they have a favorable track record against Crystal Palace, losing only two of the last 16 league encounters, both at home.
Crystal Palace, led by manager Roy Hodgson, is looking to bounce back from their recent defeat against Liverpool. Despite leading 1-0, a red card for Jordan Ayew in the 75th minute led to a late comeback by Liverpool, resulting in a 2-1 defeat for Palace. Hodgson's team has been under scrutiny, having earned only five points out of a possible 45 in the last two-and-a-half months. However, they maintain a seven-point cushion above the relegation zone and remain hopeful of climbing the league table with a win.
Although facing tough fixtures against Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Brentford, and Arsenal after the clash with Manchester City, Crystal Palace has a history of upsetting the odds. Since Guardiola's arrival in 2016, only Manchester United has won more Premier League games at the Etihad than Palace.
The Eagles have even managed to score four goals in their last two visits, securing a 2-0 win in October 2021 and experiencing a narrow 4-2 loss in August the previous year, during which they surrendered a two-goal lead in the second half.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
This weekend, Manchester City faces uncertainty in their lineup as Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku are dealing with significant injuries—Haaland with a foot issue and Doku with a muscle concern. Both players are considered doubtful for the upcoming match, and it's more likely they'll make their return during the Club World Cup next week. Adding to City's injury concerns, Kevin De Bruyne continues to be sidelined due to a hamstring problem.Manager Pep Guardiola, who made nine changes in the midweek victory against Red Star, is expected to reintroduce several key players for the clash with Crystal Palace. In defense, goalkeeper Ederson and a defensive quartet comprising Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, and Josko Gvardiol are all pushing for a return.
In the midfield, Rodri is anticipated to replace Kalvin Phillips, and Mateo Kovacic is aiming to maintain his starting position ahead of John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis. Despite a knock in the midweek game, Jack Grealish is expected to start on the left flank, while Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, and Julian Alvarez are set to return in the attacking third.
On the Crystal Palace side, injuries have hit hard, with Sam Johnstone (calf), Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), and Odsonne Edouard (knee) all sustaining injuries in the previous encounter with Liverpool. They join a list of absentees, including Eberechi Eze and Rob Holding (both with ankle injuries), Dean Henderson, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (both dealing with thigh issues), and Cheick Doucoure (Achilles).
Jordan Ayew is suspended due to a red card from the last weekend's match, and there's uncertainty surrounding Tyrick Mitchell's availability due to a hip injury. Nathaniel Clyne may step in at left-back, joining Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, and Joe Ward in the back four, protecting goalkeeper Remi Matthews.
Michael Olise is expected to start on the right flank, while Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored from the penalty spot against Liverpool, is set to lead the line in the absence of Edouard.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester City possible starting lineup:Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake; Kovacic, Rodri; Foden, Bernardo, Grealish; Alvarez
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Matthews; Ward, Guehi, Andersen, Clyne; Richards, Ahamada, Hughes; Olise, Mateta, Schlupp
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester City 3-1 Crystal Palace
Even though Manchester City may not have all their key players available, they've demonstrated resilience in their last two games without Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku. Pep Guardiola can turn to several first-team stars who were given a rest in the midweek match, and he can rely on their prowess to guide the champions to victory on their home turf.
