Crystal Palace will welcome a Manchester City side who are looking to put their new found inconsistency aside and get their balance right. City started off in marvellous fashion before a string of poor results has pushed them down to 3rd place, dropping points in winnable matches in the process. But Pep will look to start on a positive note after the International break.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are living up to their tag of being probably the most inconsistent side in the League. A whirlwind opening few weeks saw them towards the top of the table but a run of 4 consecutive losses has seen them plummet to the 16th spot. Palace, however, should look to play their natural game and look to cause the jittery City rear-guard problems.
Let us take a brief look at the key battles expected to have a bearing on the result.
SCOTT DANN VS SERGIO AGUERO
The City striker has been in imperious form this season and after a mini-hiccup where he was adjusting to Pep’s new instructions, he seems to have become more lethal. Aguero will be determined to get over his troubles in an Argentine jersey and an inconsistent Palace side might provide him with the exact opportunity. But Scott Dann will be knowing what he is up against and will look to stick tight to his man.
Aguero’s movements also come into the contention with the Argentine willing to move out wide and allow the wingers and midfielders to make late runs into the box. It promises to be a busy day for Dann and Delaney.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE VS JAMES McARTHUR
The Belgian has been sensational when deployed in a central role and with Silva rumoured to be starting from the bench after his exertions with Spain, De Bruyne might line up alongside Gundogan. McArthur and Cabaye will have a hard time trying to contain him.
His inch-perfect passes and runs from the deep have to be tracked by the pair, especially McArthur who will be doing the bulk of the dirty work. If they can limit spaces between the defence and midfield lines, De Bruyne can be shunted wide from where his output decreases considerably.
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE VS JOHN STONES
City have struggled during the times they haven’t been in possession and when teams attack them. Their chances against and goals against ratio is shockingly similar which illustrates their failure to defend in the box. And this is where Benteke is at his strongest. Stones has to be strong and decisive inside the box especially in the air where City will be challenged a lot.
