Manchester City will travel to Selhurst Park on New Year’s Eve to face Crystal Palace as they aim to end their astonishing year on a bright note. The Premier League leaders will be looking to for their 19th consecutive league win, which would equal all time top-flight record in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Citizens hold a massive 15 point lead at the top with second-placed Manchester United struggling to keep up with their city rivals.
Even though Pep Guardiola will have a handful of injury issues prior to the clash, the Sky Blues will be fairly confident of snatching all three points against a Crystal Palace, struggling with their lack of form this season.
Here’s the predicted Manchester City lineup to face the Eagles this weekend.
Defence
The defence will definitely be a worry for head coach Pep Guardiola, who will be missing the services of key defensive outlets at the back. Club captain Vincent Kompany and young English centre-back John Stones are both sidelined with their respective injuries.
Even though their injuries doesn’t seem to be as woeful as it seemed, the defensive duo will miss this weekend’s encounter regardless, meaning Ellaquim Mangala could be installed alongside Nicolas Otamendi in central defence.
Fabian Delph is also suffering from a slight knock and is very unlikely to feature against Crystal Palace this weekend. Hence, Danilo could start as a left back with Kyle Walker starting at the other end.
Ederson Moraes will be the man between the sticks for the Premier League leaders.
Midfield
Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho, as usual, will be deployed as the central defensive midfielder. The former Shakhtar Donetsk star has been a key figure in Guardiola’s efficient play in the centre of the pitch.
Fernandinho will be partnered by Belgian superstar Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. The return of the German International has been a boon for Pep Guardiola and his presence in the team will be more crucial than ever, with games coming thick and fast.
Attack
Leroy Sane could replace Bernardo Silva as the left winger against Crystal Palace this weekend. The German International was rested in the midweek fixture but is highly expected to get back into the starting eleven. While Raheem Sterling will be deployed as the right winger at the other end of the pitch.
Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the line for Manchester City this weekend, replacing Sergio Aguero.
