Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City had to settle for a point last Sunday. In a season that has clearly fallen short of expectations, the Cityzens didn’t even manage to win a derby: at Old Trafford, against their cousins Manchester United, the two historic rivals didn’t manage to get past a disappointing 0-0. The reigning English champions were inconsistent, especially in attack: although they dominated possession (59%), the Red Devils had the best chances, as demonstrated by both the total shots (13) and the expected xG (0.91).
It was a draw that cost them dear in terms of the league table: City slipped to sixth place, overtaken by Newcastle and Chelsea, who currently both have one point more (Aston Villa are also catching up). In short, qualification for the next edition of the Champions League is still up for grabs, even if Guardiola’s men have a theoretically easier schedule than their direct competitors: the only direct clash – if we can call it a clash – is with Fulham.
However, City cannot be trusted: in addition to their fluctuating results, the Catalan coach continues to have to deal with a long series of injuries to key players (Haaland, Rodri, Akanji, Aké and Stones). A win against Crystal Palace, one of the teams in the best form recently, is not a foregone conclusion. Since February, the Eagles have only suffered one defeat and, like City, have reached the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Aston Villa.
Two Palace players suspended
Last Saturday the London club got the better of Brighton in a hard-fought match, beating them 2-1 at the end of a very nervous game that ended with three players sent off.
This is why Palace manager Oliver Glasner will be without two key men like Guéhi and Nketiah at the Etihad Stadium, as both have been suspended. In addition to them, Doucouré and Riad will also be missing through injury, while Richards is doubtful. On the other hand, Guardiola will once again rely on Marmoush in attack, who arrived in the winter transfer window but has already scored 5 goals in 9 Premier League games.
Odds comparison
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The prediction
Three of the last four matches between Manchester City and Crystal Palace have seen no fewer than 4 goals in total. These included the 2-2 draw last December at Selhurst Park. Will it be another prolific match? Probably, given that the Eagles’ defense will be without a pillar like Guéhi. For the Cityzens, who are favorites, it may not be a walk in the park against a confident London team, who in 2025 have always found the back of the net at least once.
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The probable line-ups for Manchester City-Crystal Palace
MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Matheus Nunes, Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, O’Reilly; Gundogan, Kovacic; Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne, Doku; Marmoush.
CRYSTAL PALACE (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Ward, Lerma, Chilwell; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1