Manchester City travels to Selhurst Park as they face Crystal Palace in their 29th league game of the season. The Monday night fixture rounds off Premier League’s match-day 29. Crystal Palace sits 11th in the table and are yet to reach double figures in games won. Patrick Viera has so far done a decent job and will be rooting for a positive result here. City meanwhile sits at top of the table, but second-placed Liverpool are not far away. The Cityzens will be looking for their 23rd win in the 29th game at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace have been blessed with some immense talent in their squad this season and on top a fine manager in making. Viera has done quite well with a young Crystal Palace team in his first season as a Premier League manager. Palace comes into this game on the back of a powerful win over Wolves who are fighting for European places. Just one defeat has been experienced by Viera’s side in their last 6 league games, and their confidence is sky-high going against City.
Crystal Palace Premier League Form: D L W D W
Manchester City resumed its normal service with two back-to-back wins after their defeat against Tottenham. Their last league game was a 4-1 thrashing of United in the Manchester derby. City have dropped points on only two occasions in their last six league games and show no signs of slowing down. Moreover, they are well aware of Liverpool who have closed the gap on them, and nothing less than a win will be accepted by the City boss.
Manchester City Premier League Form: W W L W W
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: Team News
The Eagles’ team news
Viera will miss the services of center-back Nathan Ferguson against Manchester City. The youngster is nursing a hamstring injury and will miss the City game. James McArthur is also out with a hamstring tear and won’t feature against City.
Joel Ward is in doubt and Viera will make a late decision on the right-back. However, Nathaniel Clyne is expected to start irrespective of Ward’s availability. Palace could remain unchanged from their 2-0 win over Wolves, with in-form winger Zaha and Olise leading the offense. Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher is brilliantly pulling the strings from the middle of the park and will look to continue the same against City.
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup
Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Schulpp, Kouyate; Olise, Gallagher, Zaha; Mateta
Manchester City team news
Ruben Dias is ruled out for a month after sustaining a hamstring injury. John Stones has partnered Laporte in Dias’ absence and would continue against Palace. Joao Cancelo missed City’s last game due to illness and is a doubt for this game too. However, Guardiola could make a late call on Cancelo.
Nathan Ake has recovered from injury and should travel with the squad. Kyle Walker was suspended for midweek’s Champions League game but should return to the lineup at Selhurst Park. Given Foden and Grealish’s excellent form, both could start over Jesus and Sterling.
Manchester City possible starting lineup
Ederson; Walker, Stones, Laporte, Zinchenko; De Bruyne, Rodri, Bernanrdo Silva; Mahrez, Foden, Grealish
Our Prediction
Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester City
This one has to be a close call. Crystal Palace inflicted a shocking 2-0 defeat on City last time out at the Etihad. The Eagles will be aiming for a first league double over Manchester City in 49 years. However, the feat looks a difficult one for Palace to achieve at the moment given City’s blistering form. A hard-fought victory is in-line for Manchester City on Monday night.
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