Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 2/9

Bookmaker: bet365

The Premier League is back after yet another international break, as teams all across the league attempt to re-build their momentum after a few weeks off. These next few months are going to be essential for clubs to get into a rhythm before we reach the festive period, which always serves as a thorn in the side of many teams. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what should be a fascinating game between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have enjoyed an electric start to the new Premier League season, with Roy Hodgson injecting new life into this regime. The Eagles have high hopes and while there’s no guarantee of reaching those aspirations given the quality of some of the teams in the league, they’ve got a squad that is more than capable of a top half finish at the bare minimum. When they play City, they’ll go into the game with the belief that they have nothing to lose.

Team News

Milivojevic will return to the starting XI after serving his one-match ban. Sakho is expected to return to the team in some way, shape or form, whereas McArthur and McCarthy will compete for a place in the middle of the park.

Manchester City

Manchester City have had a rocky start to the new season, and even that may be putting it lightly. Even with that being the case, however, there’s a sense of optimism around the club that they can still put forward a solid campaign. Managing their expectations is, and always has been, the most important aspect of City’s game, especially when you take one look at their squad. In this encounter, though, they need to focus on not taking Palace lightly.

Team News

Stones and De Bruyne look to be back in full training, with Mendy being set for availability after missing out against Wolves. Cancelo looks likely to be replaced by Zinchenko for this one.

Factors to Consider

• Man City have only won one of their last three games against Crystal Palace.
• Crystal Palace have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Man City have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Crystal Palace have scored six goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Man City have scored 19 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

City have struggled with Palace in their last few games but we can’t imagine they’ll slip up again here. Pep Guardiola will make his players fully aware of the fact that they cannot afford to drop any more points, otherwise Liverpool will be off to the races. As such we’re expecting them to score early at Selhurst Park, get another in the second half and sit on their lead. They simply cannot afford to be taking unnecessary risks, especially against a team as unpredictable as the Eagles.

Prediction: Manchester City win

Best Odds: 2/9

Bookmaker: bet365