Introduction
Crystal Palace welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park this Saturday for a Premier League clash. Palace seek to continue their consistent season, while City will look to gain momentum after a midweek win that ended their slump.
Match Preview
Crystal Palace: Survival Battle Continues
Crystal Palace have been resilient in the last weeks, losing only one in the last six matches and gathering nine crucial points. Their recent 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, through Jean-Philippe Mateta, was their first away win of the season.
Despite being 17th and three points clear of relegation, Palace’s home form remains a concern with only one win in seven Premier League games at Selhurst Park this season. Manager Oliver Glasner has called for focus to be maintained during a busy festive schedule.
Historically, the Eagles have struggled against City with just two wins in the last 18 league encounters. However, both victories came at the Etihad, something that will once again prove their ability to spring surprises against the reigning champions.
Man City: Reclaiming Form
Following a seven-match winless run across all competitions, Manchester City got back to winning ways with a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest midweek. A goal each from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jeremy Doku sealed the win and gave Pep Guardiola’s side some much-needed confidence.
Currently fourth in the Premier League, City are nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool. Seldom has a victory – at Selhurst Park or anywhere else – been required to keep their campaign truly alive.
However, City’s away form of late has been problematic, as they have lost their last five on their travels. They haven’t suffered six successive away losses since 1994. In contrast, they do carry the momentum of an exceptional record when coming to Selhurst Park, winning seven of their last nine league visits.
Team News
Crystal Palace Updates
Injuries: Chadi Riad (knee), Adam Wharton, and Matheus Franca (all groin) remain out, although Riad and Wharton could be back later this month.
Key Players: Cheick Doucoure is available to start after a precautionary midweek substitution and Daichi Kamada returns from suspension.
Lineup Highlights: Mateta and Eberechi Eze will likely lead the attack, and Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes will fight for midfield roles.
Manchester City Updates
Injuries: Nathan Ake (hamstring) joins Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic, and John Stones on the injury list. Phil Foden (bronchitis) and Manuel Akanji (unspecified) are doubtful.
Potential Changes: Josko Gvardiol may move across to central defense, or 19-year-old Jahmai Simpson-Pusey could play alongside Ruben Dias. Stefan Ortega is expected to start in goal for a third successive match.
Key Players: Kevin De Bruyne is set to orchestrate the midfield, with Haaland and Doku leading the attack
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Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace Starting XI:
Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Doucoure, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze; Nketiah, Mateta
Manchester City Starting XI:
Ortega; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Lewis; De Bruyne, Gundogan, Grealish; Savinho, Haaland, Doku
Match Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
Crystal Palace may capitalize on Manchester City’s defensive vulnerabilities and find the net, but City’s superior quality and attacking depth should secure them all three points. If Kevin De Bruyne continues his influential form, City are likely to edge out a close contest at Selhurst Park.
