Manchester City vs Crystal Palace: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite the league standings, this game will be extremely difficult to call. Manchester City are unbeaten in their previous four matches but has looked a pale comparison to their usual self this season, with the club set to finish on a record low points tally since Pep Guardiola arrived in 2016.

As for Crystal Palace, they are set for another mid-table finish this season, although their performances and form under Oliver Glasner has been excellent in recent weeks. The Eagles are unbeaten in their previous eight matches, which has seen them reach an FA Cup semi-final.

Expect goals in this fixture, as neither side has kept a clean sheet in the previous three meetings between the two sides, and both teams found the scoresheet in four of the last five games between the two clubs.

The advantage for Pep Guardiola’s side, is that they are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the two sides, which could play a factor here in a close 2-1 victory for the Citizens.

Manchester City 2-1 Crystal Palace

Manchester City’s quest for UEFA Champions League qualification continues at the weekend, as they host fellow FA Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.

Date:12/04/2024
Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
Kick-Off:12.30 pm

Following the draw against local rivals Manchester United in the Manchester Derby, Manchester City now essentially have to be on a perfect record to ensure the club qualifies for the UEFA Champions League this season. The Citizens are in fifth place in the Premeir League this season, which would guarantee qualification to Europe’s elite next season based on the new UEFA coefficient. However, teams like Aston Villa (1 point behind) and Newcastle United (two points behind), will be waiting to pounce on a Manchester City side who have been inconsistent this season.

The big news this past week, has been the announcement of the impending departure of Kevin de Bruyne from the club, as the Belgian leaves after 10 years at the club and six Premier League titles.

Crystal Palace are enjoying another fine season under Oliver Glasner, with the club on the verge of a top 10 position, and a win could move the Eagles past AFC Bournemouth, should the Cherries lose to Fulham. The visitors have collected 43 points from 30 matches played, having scored 39 and conceded 35.

This game will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1.

Manchester City Team News

Rodri, Erling Haaland, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji are all unavailable because of injury issues, with Haaland and Rodri looking like they will miss the rest of the season.

Crystal Palace Team News

Crystal Palace will be without the services of Marc Guehi and Eddie Nketiah, who were both dismissed against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad and Chris Richards are all expected to miss this game through injuries.

H2H:
As mentioned earlier, Manchester City hold a great record against Crystal Palace, as the home side are unbeaten in the last six meetings between the two sides. The reverse meeting was certainly packed with controversial incidents, as the game ended 2-2 at Selhurst Park. Daniel Munoz had given the Eagles a shock lead inside five minutes before Eling Haaland equalised on the half-hour mark. Maxence Lacriox restored the lead for Oliver Glasner’s side in the 56th minute, before Rico Lewis equalised with 20 minutes to go. Lewis would be in the headlines once again in the 84th minute, with the Manchester City youngster receiving his marching orders.

Manchester City:

Manchester City are coming into this game on a good run of form, with the home side unbeaten in their previous four matches. However, Pep Guardiola will know that performances will have to be better than those produced in a drab affair, which was the Manchester Derby.

Manchester City have beaten the likes of AFC Bournemouth (1-2) and Leicester City (2-0) in recent weeks, as well as gaining a 2-2 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. At home, Manchester City have only lost once in their previous five games at the Etihad in all competitions, which was against eventual league champions, Liverpool (0-2).

Crystal Palace:

As mentioned above, Crystal Palace’s form under Oliver Glasner has been excellent in recent weeks. The Eagles are unbeaten in their previous eight matches, which has seen them reach an FA Cup semi-final. The Eagles are coming into this game, following an excellent victory against rivals Brighton & Hove Albion (2-1) in which the Eagles were reduced to nine men.

Away from home, the Eagles also have an exceptional record, having only dropped points against Southampton (1-1), and having beaten the likes of Fulham (0-3) and Manchester United (0-2).

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