Crystal Palace face a tough test against Manchester City in a Premier League encounter.
Victory could lift Palace to the summit if they win by six goals or more, whilst Man City will go top if they avoid defeat.
Team News
Ismaila Sarr is ruled out for Palace with a groin injury.
Chadi Riad will also miss out due to a knee injury which requires specialist advice.
Axel Disasi could make his Palace bow after he joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Man City will be without Jeremy Doku after he suffered a calf injury during their 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
Elliot Anderson is available despite having suffered cramp during that match.
Ayyoub Bouaddi could make his City debut following his move from Lille.
When is Kick-Off?
Palace host Man City at Selhurst Park on Friday 28 August at 8pm BST on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Palace are winless in their last nine league meetings against Man City (D3, L6).
- Man City have avoided defeat in their last 11 league visits to Palace (W8, D3).
- Palace are unbeaten in four of their last five league matches at home (W1, D3, L1).
- City are unbeaten in their last nine league visits to London-based opposition (W6, D3).
Prediction
Having failed to convert their chances in a fairly see-saw battle at Everton, Palace now need to be much sharper in their end product otherwise they will certainly be punished in a fixture which hasn’t exactly been an enjoyable one over the years at home.
Man City meanwhile absolutely dominated Bournemouth but had their own end product troubles with two defenders digging them out of the jaws of defeat to a late comeback win, so this is the ideal fixture for them to try and polish their final touches given their record against Palace.
Selhurst Park though will be bouncing given that it’s Pierre Sage’s first competitive home match as Palace manager so I expect them to try and cause issues, but City really ought to find a win if can sort out their end product.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Man City
Leave a Reply