A blockbuster top-four clash awaits at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon as Crystal Palace host Manchester City.
Both sides are riding the crest of a wave after impressive European victories. Pep Guardiola’s City arrive in South London fresh from a historic 2-1 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid. This was only their second-ever win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
They sit just two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Consequently, they could potentially leapfrog the Gunners depending on Saturday’s results. They face a Crystal Palace side enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign. Oliver Glasner’s men currently sit fourth in the table with 26 points. Furthermore, they warmed up for this encounter with a comfortable Conference League victory over Shelbourne.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025
- Kick-off: 2:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
- Referee: Darren England
- VAR: Matt Donohue
- Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester City, 17 May 2025, Premier League
Team News
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is sweating on the fitness of key forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and winger Ismaïla Sarr. However, he remains hopeful both will be available for selection. Defender Jaydee Canvot is also expected to recover from illness in time. The Eagles have suffered a major blow elsewhere. Dynamic wing-back Daniel Muñoz is ruled out until 2026 with a knee injury. He joins a lengthy absentee list that includes Cheick Doucouré, Chadi Riad, and Caleb Kporha.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola is likely to stick with the core of the side that conquered Madrid. However, he faces ongoing midfield selection issues. John Stones, Rodri, and Mateo Kovačić all remain sidelined. Tijjani Reijnders is pushing for a start in midfield. He could potentially replace Bernardo Silva to freshen up the engine room. In attack, Rayan Cherki is expected to retain his place.
Form
Crystal Palace
Palace are in dreamland. They have accumulated double the points they had at this stage last season. Their success has been built on grit. In fact, 17 of their last 20 Premier League wins have come with less than 50% possession. However, Selhurst Park hasn’t been a fortress lately. They have drawn four times at home this season which is a league high.
Manchester City
City are the league’s entertainers and top scorers with 35 goals. They have won their last three Premier League matches. Moreover, they scored at least three goals in each of those games. Despite their attacking prowess, City have struggled to keep clean sheets in this fixture recently. Both teams have scored at least twice in each of their last four meetings.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi; Clyne, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Pino, Nketiah; Mateta
Manchester City predicted XI: Donnarumma; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; González; Cherki, Reijnders, Foden, Doku; Haaland
How to watch Crystal Palace vs Manchester City?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage starts at 1:00 pm GMT.
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