Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: Preview, Prediction & Lineups
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium today as both teams look to keep their unbeaten runs going. Manchester City are trying to salvage their season with consistency while Crystal Palace have been one of the best teams since Gameweek 12 so this is a tasty one.
Manchester City
Manchester City have been inconsistent this season and are miles behind Liverpool. Injuries to Rodri (knee) and Erling Haaland (ankle) have disrupted Pep Guardiola’s plans and now City are fighting for European qualification rather than the title. The FA Cup is their only hope of silverware this season.
City will play 4-2-3-1 with Kevin De Bruyne as the midfield general. Omar Marmoush will lead the line in Haaland’s absence with Savinho and Jeremy Doku on the wings. Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol in defence and Ederson Moraes in goal.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Lewis, Dias, Gvardiol, O’Reilly; Gundogan, Gonzalez; Savinho, De Bruyne, Doku; Marmoush.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have been one of the best teams in the Premier League since Gameweek 12. Oliver Glasner’s side have lost only three of their last 18 and are unbeaten in their last 10 away games – a club record. Despite Marc Guehi and Eddie Nketiah being suspended, Palace will look to keep their good form going against a struggling Manchester City.
Palace will play 3-4-2-1 with Jean-Philippe Mateta leading the line. Eberechi Eze and Ibrahima Sarr will provide the creativity, Adam Wharton and Will Hughes will anchor the midfield and Dean Henderson will start in goal behind a back three of Chris Richards, Jefferson Lerma and Ben Chilwell.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lerma, Chilwell; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta.
Key Stats
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Manchester City have lost only one of their last 12 Premier League games against Crystal Palace (W7 D4).
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Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last ten away games in the Premier League (W6 D4), their longest-ever run without defeat on the road.
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Only Liverpool (23 points) have earned more points than Crystal Palace (22) in their last ten Premier League games.
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Kevin De Bruyne has been involved in 12 goals against Crystal Palace during his time at Manchester City (G4 A8).
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Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored nine Premier League goals in 2025—second only to Mohamed Salah.
Player to Watch: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne remains Manchester City’s most influential player despite announcing his impending departure from the club. With a stellar record against Crystal Palace—12 goal involvements—De Bruyne will be pivotal in breaking down Palace’s resilient defense. His vision and creativity could make all the difference for Guardiola’s side.
Prediction
Crystal Palace’s strong away form makes them difficult opponents for Manchester City. However, City’s quality and home advantage should help them avoid defeat. Expect a closely contested match with both teams finding the back of the net.
Manchester City 2-2 Crystal Palace
Live Stream
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