Crystal Palace vs Manchester City Preview
- City to win
- Haaland to score
Selhurst Park hosts a crucial Premier League clash as Crystal Palace aim to build momentum following a hard-fought victory, while Manchester City look to maintain their resurgence after ending a torrid winless streak.
Crystal Palace: Looking to Climb the Table
Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 win at Ipswich midweek, ending a four-game winless league run (D3, L1). While Oliver Glasner expressed satisfaction with the result, the Eagles remain just above the relegation zone and cannot afford to rest on their laurels.
Palace’s home form has been underwhelming, with just one win in their last seven league games at Selhurst Park (W1, D3, L3).
However, they’ve shown resilience as underdogs, avoiding defeat in six of their nine such games this season (W1, D5).
Jean-Philippe Mateta will be a key player for Palace, particularly as he has a knack for scoring decisive goals. Four of his last five Premier League strikes have been match-winners, including two 1-0 victories.
Manchester City: Seeking Consistency
Manchester City finally ended their seven-game winless streak with a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side, however, still faces questions about their away form, having lost their last five league games on the road—City’s worst away streak since 2015.
Avoiding a sixth consecutive away defeat will require City to draw on their dominance at Selhurst Park, where they are unbeaten in their last ten competitive visits (W8, D2).
Rico Lewis could be an influential figure, as the full-back has a history of delivering in this fixture, scoring in both league meetings against Palace last season.
Key Battles
Jean-Philippe Mateta vs City’s Defence
Mateta’s ability to score crucial goals will test City’s backline, which has shown vulnerabilities on the road. If Palace can create chances, Mateta could capitalise and make a difference.
Rico Lewis vs Palace’s Midfield
Lewis has proven himself capable of contributing offensively in key games, and his movement and passing could disrupt Palace’s defensive shape. Palace’s midfield will need to track his runs closely.
Tactical Analysis
Palace will likely adopt a defensive approach, focusing on compactness and counterattacking opportunities. With Mateta leading the line, they’ll aim to exploit City’s occasional lapses in defensive transitions.
City, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and press high to force errors. Guardiola’s side will rely on their creative midfielders and wide players to unlock Palace’s defence, while maintaining caution to avoid being caught on the break.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester City
While Crystal Palace’s resilience and home advantage could make things difficult for Manchester City, Guardiola’s side appears to have regained confidence after their midweek win.
City’s superior quality and ability to control games should see them secure a comfortable victory, with Rico Lewis potentially playing a key role once again.
Expect City to dominate possession and convert their chances, leaving Palace with little room for error as they fight to stay clear of the relegation zone.
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Crystal Palace v Man City, 2024/25 | Premier League