Man City vs Crystal Palace Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Manchester City have endured a fairly miserable campaign but they remain in contention for the UEFA Champions League spots ahead of the visit of in-form Crystal Palace this weekend.
Kick-off date/time: Saturday 12th April, 2025: UK – 12:30pm / US ET – 7:30am / US PT – 4:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – TNT Sports app / US – Universo
Man City Preview: Dull City
Manchester City begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting outside of the top five, which is soon expected to be confirmed as this season’s UEFA Champions League spots in the Premier League, as Pep Guardiola’s side struggle for consistency throughout the campaign.
The Cityzens haven’t enjoyed back-to-back victories in the Premier League since January and come into this one on the back of an extremely tedious and deflating goalless draw with Manchester United in the derby at Old Trafford last weekend.
Crystal Palace Preview: Soaring Eagles
Crystal Palace started the season without a win in the league until mid-to-late-October but since eventually getting their first three points on the board, the Eagles have propelled themselves into being one of the best and more consistent teams in the country.
With an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa to look forward to later this month, the Eagles are still in the hunt for a top eight or nine place which could be enough for European qualification. They defeated arch-rivals Brighton and Hove Albion at Selhurst Park last weekend.
Man City Team News: Nothing fresh
In his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola has confirmed that defensive trio Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and John Stones all remain sidelined for the hosts alongside striker Erling Braut Haaland. Rodri has been unavailable since September due to an ACL injury and, despite returning to individual work on the grass, remains sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Ederson; Nunes, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Kovacic; Silva, Gundogan; De Bruyne; Foden, Marmoush
Unavailable: Akanji (Injured), Ake (Injured), Stones (Injured), Rodri (Fitness), Haaland (Injured)
Questionable:
Crystal Palace Team News: Defensive issues
Fortunately for Oliver Glasner, defenders Maxence Lacroix and Chris Richards have been deemed fully fit and available for this one after concussion and injury issues respectively. That is fortunate because captain Marc Guehi is now missing through suspension alongside Eddie Nketiah after both were sent off last weekend.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Lerma Lacroix, Richards; Munoz, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Unavailable: Turner (Illness), Riad (Injured), Guehi (Suspended), Doucoure (Injured), Esse (Illness), Nketiah (Suspended)
Questionable:
Man City vs Crystal Palace Prediction
Manchester City tried a diamond midfield with Phil Foden joining Omar Marmoush in attack last weekend and it wasn’t fluid enough against a back three. They are up against a back three once again at the Etihad Stadium this weekend and a Palace side that are much better than that eventually obdurate United side. However, the amount of personnel issues that the visitors have at the back means that surely, especially at the Etihad, City should run out comfortable winners.
Man City vs Crystal Palace Tip: Man City to win -1 handicap
