The champions will be looking for back-to-back Premier League wins this weekend, as Crystal Palace make up the opposition, with both desperate to carry momentum into the hectic Christmas period.
After four matches without a win, Pep Guardiola’s side staged a comeback triumph against Luton last Sunday, whereas Roy Hodgson’s Palace side nearly pulled off a shock victory over league leaders Liverpool, in their last outing
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the game.
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview
Form
Manchester City: DWDLWW
With the treble winners set to fly over to Saudi Arabia after this weekend’s fixture, due to Club World Cup commitments, three points are of the utmost importance at the Etihad on Saturday.
Goals from Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were enough to topple Luton, and at home, it looks like a comfortable victory for City, on paper.
"We've got the best manager in the world and world class players" ????
Jack Grealish reacts to Manchester City's comeback win over Luton Town ???? pic.twitter.com/7bQWofwoZb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 10, 2023
14 goals in 15 Premier League matches this season seems somewhat expected of Erling Haaland, with some claiming the striker is even failing to find form.
The blue half of Manchester still has the utmost bragging rights, due to Manchester United’s midweek European exit, but work is still to be done if the club are to match Guardiola’s lofty ambitions.
Fourth in the table isn’t where anyone involved with Manchester City wants or expects to be, and a win over Palace is the first step in rectifying that problem.
The Cityzens will be without Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku through injury, with Haaland and Grealish also doubts.
Crystal Palace: LLLDLL
Crystal Palace find themselves in an extremely concerning period of form, with their last win away from home coming all the way back in September, against Manchester United.
Defeats to Bournemouth, Luton and Everton will be the most pressing issue, with Palace looking inferior to all but Sheffield United in recent weeks.
Roy Hodgson stated that he was “absolutely sick” of the modern direction of refereeing, following his side’s 2-1 loss to Liverpool last weekend, whilst claiming that Palace fans have been “spoilt” with the team’s performance in recent years.
⏰ 98 seconds…
The time between Jordan Ayew's red card and Mohamed Salah's equaliser!#CRYLIV pic.twitter.com/A5Lknb0YiL
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 9, 2023
Palace currently have an extensive injury list, with Odsonne Edouard, Cheick Doucoure; Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Rob Holding, Dean Henderson, Eberechi Eze, and Sam Johnstone all unavailable.
Jordan Ayew also misses out through suspension, for the two yellow cards he picked up against Liverpool. However, Jefferson Lerma and Tyrick Mitchell could return.
Last Meeting
Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City, March 11th 2023
Amid a title battle with Arsenal, a 78th-minute Erling Haaland penalty gave Man City three important points in a tough battle at Selhurst Park.
Haaland's penalty ???? pic.twitter.com/JRCnuYxclY
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 11, 2023
Haaland scored his first Premier League hat-trick in the reverse fixture that season, and was once again the difference for City.
With Palace yet to record a victory in 2023 at that point, this match was the second-to-last game that Patrick Vieira would manage at the club, receiving the sack a week later.
With the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against RB Leipzig and an FA Cup quarter-final against Burnley on the horizon, this was an important win away from home for Guardiola’s side.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester City: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Akanji, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Rodri; Foden, Silva, Grealish; Alvarez
Crystal Palace: Matthews; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Clyne, Richards, Hughes, Lerma, Olise, Schlupp; Mateta.
Who is the referee?
Paul Tierney.
Is Manchester City vs Crystal Palace televised?
UK and Ireland: Not broadcasted.
USA: USA Network.
What time is kick-off?
Saturday 16th December, 15:00 GMT.
Odds
Manchester City – 2/11
Draw – 7/1
Crystal Palace – 12/1
Read More: Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend
See Also: Five loan moves that have failed to work out this season
