The Citizens are currently trying to close the points gap with Liverpool, who are leading the points table and posing a threat to Man City’s title defense. Despite facing stiff competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s side is still vying for their fourth successive league title this season.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, has been struggling under new manager Oliver Glasner, going winless in their last four league games. Glasner will be in pursuit of his second three-point haul at home following their previous victory at Selhurst Park in February. Sitting in 14th place on the league table, the Eagles will be eager to secure three points in the reverse fixture against City and bounce back after a narrow 1-0 midweek defeat to Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, the visitors stand in third position after a resounding 4-1 victory over Aston Villa in their previous outing.
When and Where?
Date: Saturday, 6th April, 2024.
Time: 12:30 pm BST
Venue: Selhurst Park
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Paul Tierney.
Assistants: Scott Ledger & Mat Wilkes.
Fourth official: Darren Bond.
VAR: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.
TEAM NEWS
The host’s list of unavailable selections includes Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucouré, Marc Guéhi, Rob Holding, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Matheus França, all of whom remain sidelined due to injury. Chris Richards has become the latest player to be ruled out for this fixture. Meanwhile, Michael Olise’s return to training suggests he could feature at Home.
For the visitors, the defensive duo of Kyle Walker and Nathan Aké have been ruled out for the clash, and Ederson’s return remains doubtful. There are no further absences, as Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland will be back in the squad after being rested for the match earlier this week against Aston Villa.
Pre-Match Tactical Analysis
In their last encounter, Crystal Palace managed to hold a 2-2 draw against the treble winners at Etihad Stadium in December. Now, under the guidance of former UEFA Europa League-winning manager Oliver Glasner, who is dealing with inconsistency, Palace will be aiming to secure their second home victory against an overpowered opposition. Palace’s lineup is expected to remain unchanged, employing a 3-4-3 formation in this game.
Dean Henderson will take his place in goal, with the back three consisting of Jefferson Lerma at left center-back, flanked by Joel Ward and Joachim Andersen. The midfield unit will feature Will Hughes and Adam Wharton in the center, with Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Muñoz operating as wing-backs. The attacking trio is expected to include Jordan Ayew and Eberechi Eze on the wings, supporting Jean-Philippe Mateta at the forefront.
Pep Guardiola’s men, with the upcoming knockout fixture against Real Madrid on their minds, will be looking to set the tone for the much-anticipated encounter by delivering a commendable performance against the Eagles. This approach aims to build momentum before the UEFA Champions League Round of Eight, leg one clash, following a successful display against Unai Emery‘s Aston Villa, where they passed the test with flying colors.
The Sky Blues are anticipated to adopt a 4-1-4-1 tactical setup, integrating Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland back into the lineup. Stefan Ortega is expected to continue guarding the goal, supported by an unchanged backline comprising Manuel Akanji and Rúben Dias at the center, with Rico Lewis and Joško Gvardiol as full-backs. Rodri will anchor the midfield, acting as the holding midfielder to bridge the gap between the defensive setup and the midfield line.
In the midfield, Bernardo Silva and Jérémy Doku are set to operate on the flanks, providing width, while Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne will centralize the creative efforts. Erling Haaland is poised to lead the line as the lone striker, aiming to capitalize on the creative supply from the midfield.
KEY PLAYERS
Phil Foden
The English international has been a pivotal player for Manchester City this season. Phil Foden’s outstanding hat-trick against Aston Villa once again highlighted his crucial role, proving vital for his side to secure the three points. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has amassed 31 goal contributions in 44 appearances across all competitions so far this season and continues to add more to his tally.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Crystal Palace predicted lineup vs Man City: Henderson; Ward, Andersen, Lerma; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Ayew, Mateta, Eze.
Man City predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace: Ortega; Lewis, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri; Bernardo, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku; Haaland.
