Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

Verdict: Phil Foden to score anytime

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their title charge this weekend, Manchester City will travel to Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon.

Crystal Palace

Starting with the hosts, while Crystal Palace might have appointed new boss Oliver Glasner last month, the Eagles have continued to struggle with their consistency this season. Last seen earlier in the week putting in a downbeat performance as they suffered a 1-0 loss away at Bournemouth, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss almost finds his squad sat in Premier League limbo. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 1-1 stalemate against Nottingham Forest, the south London outfit have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous eight top-flight appearances. With that extended wobble stemming back to an action-packed 3-2 win against Sheffield United on January 30th, Palace have also shown some continued defensive issues. In fact, Glanser’s men have recorded just a single clean sheet since opening up the New Year.

Team News

Undergoing elbow surgery last week, England international Sam Johnstone has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Likewise, all still dealing with respective injury issues, Crystal Palace will be without the likes of Michael Olise, Cheick Doucoure and defensive talisman Marc Guehi.

Despite failing to find the net since the start of December, former Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard could be handed a full recall here. Notching three Premier League goals in as many appearances prior to March’s international break, Eberechi Eze will have a leading role to play on Saturday lunchtime.

Manchester City

As for the visitors, while Manchester City might have been disappointed last weekend as they marked their return from March’s international break with a 0-0 stalemate at home against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s men came roaring back on Wednesday night. Making a real statement at the Etihad as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Champions League chasers Aston Villa, the former Barcelona boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Now unbeaten in all of their previous 24 straight appearances across all competitions, City will also be excited by a rampant record at Selhurst Park. Landing a 1-0 victory when they travelled to south London last season, Guardiola’s side have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League trips to Crystal Palace. Not suffering a single defeat on their travels since the start of December, the Sky Blues are rightfully tipped as a landslide contender here.

Team News

All missing out against Aston Villa earlier in the week, Manchester City are once again sweating over the fitness of Emerson, Nathan Ake and England international Kyle Walker. Handed a full rest at the Etihad in midweek, attacking talisman Erling Haaland could be handed a full recall in south London.

Bagging a stunning hat-trick on Wednesday night and notching 21 goals across all competitions this season, Phil Foden will certainly play a leading role at Selhurst Park. Making a first Premier League start since the end of January, 19-year-old Rico Lewis should keep his spot at right-back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Crystal Palace and Manchester City met for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 16th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate at the Etihad.
• The Sky Blues have lost just one of their last 10 meetings against Crystal Palace – a run that stems back on December 2018.
• Man City have collected 13 points from their previous five Premier League trips to Selhurst Park.
• The Eagles have collected just a single victory from any of their previous eight Premier League appearances.
• Likewise, Crystal Palace have recorded just a sole Premier League clean sheet since opening the New Year.

Conclusion

Making a real statement earlier in the month as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp against Aston Villa, Manchester City will be looking for a similar performance here. Unbeaten in all of their previous 24 straight appearances across all competitions, Guardiola’s men will be excited by a stellar record at Selhurst Park. Collecting 13 points from their previous five trips that south London, the Sky Blues are rightfully tipped as a standout contender in the capital.

Verdict: Phil Foden to score anytime

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Luckster