Manchester City host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday. The Eagles are mired in 15th position and are starting to look over their shoulders. The Citizens are fourth in the premier division rankings.
Preview (Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace)
Man City maintained their perfect record in the Champions League this season when a significantly altered team defeated Red Star Belgrade 3-2 in their final Group G match on Wednesday. This came after Man City ended their four-game losing streak in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory at Luton Town last weekend. Following goals from Hwang In-beom and Alexander Katai for Red Star, academy graduates Michal Hamilton and Oscar Bobb celebrated scoring their first senior goals for the Citizens. Hamilton scored the first goal just 19 minutes into his full debut. Kalvin Phillips, given a rare start, scored the team’s first goal from the penalty spot five minutes from time.
After winning in Serbia, Pep Guardiola’s team easily advanced to the round of 16. They broke the previous record for most wins in the Champions League. They will now return their attention to the Premier League before flying to Saudi Arabia for the Club World Cup. Liverpool, Arsenal, and surprise team, Aston Villa have surpassed the defending champions in the standings. After 16 games, Guardiola’s team is currently four points behind the leaders.
Even though they have plenty of time to turn things around, the Citizens will be optimistic about their chances of winning on Saturday because they have won their last 18 league games played at the Etihad and have only lost two of their previous 16 encounters with Crystal Palace, both of which came at home. Going into the last fifteen minutes of their match at Selhurst Park last Saturday, Crystal Palace led 1-0. It gives them every chance to surprise everyone and give Man City a lift in their title chase. However, Jordan Ayew’s red card in the 75th minute ultimately proved costly as the Eagles lost 2-1. Mohamed Salah’s equalizer, which came just one minute after Ayew’s sending-off. Harvey Elliott’s 91st-minute winner condemned the hosts to their eighth league loss of the year.
Team News
While Kevin De Bruyne is still out with a hamstring injury, Man City’s combination of Jeremy Doku (muscle) and Erik Haaland (foot) are both significant injury doubts for this weekend and are more likely to return for the Club World Cup next week. Guardiola is anticipated to bring back a number of his first-team regulars against Palace. He making nine changes to his lineup for the midweek victory over Red Star.
In the engine room, Mateo Kovacic will look to hold onto his starting position ahead of John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Rico Lewis, who all started the game in defense against Red Star. With Julian Alvarez, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden expected to return in the last third, Jack Grealish, who took a hit midweek, should start on the left wing. In regards to Crystal Palace, the following players will be in the treatment room: Eberechi Eze, Rob Holding (both ankle), Dean Henderson, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (both thighs), and Cheick Doucoure (Achilles). Sam Johnstone (calf), Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), and Odsonne Edouard (knee) all sustained injuries against Liverpool last weekend.
Tyrick Mitchell is also doubtful due to a hip injury, so Nathaniel Clyne may have to play left-back once more. He would team up with Marc Guehi, Joe Ward, and Joachim Andersen in the back four. In place of Edouard, Jean-Philippe Mateta—who scored against Liverpool from the penalty spot—is expected to lead the line. Michael Olise should be able to start on the right side.
Manchester City 2-0 Crystal Palace
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